A man infected with H5N6 bird flu is in critical condition in China
The Center for Health Protection (CHP) of the Hong Kong Department of Health has warned of a human case of H5N6 bird flu in neighboring China's Guangdong province. The affected is a 68-year-old man who lives in the town of Huizhou who was engaged in domestic poultry farming. He developed symptoms on December 3 and was admitted for treatment on December 7. At the time of publication of the statement, the patient was in critical condition.
Hong Kong authorities recalled that from 2014 to date, mainland Chinese health authorities have reported 53 human cases of avian influenza A (H5N6), and all new infections are notifiable in Hong Kong.
They also warned that travelers to the mainland or other affected areas should avoid visiting street markets, live poultry markets or farms. They should also avoid purchasing live or freshly slaughtered poultry and avoid touching the birds or their droppings, as well as strictly observe personal and hand hygiene when visiting any live poultry facility.
Travelers returning from affected areas should see a doctor immediately if symptoms develop and inform the doctor of their travel history for timely diagnosis and treatment of possible illnesses. It is essential to inform the doctor if they have seen live poultry during the trip, which may imply possible exposure to contaminated environments. This will allow the doctor to assess the possibility of avian influenza and organize the necessary investigations and appropriate treatment in a timely manner.
Chinese authorities rate the risk as low.
The Guangdong Province Health Commission, for its part, said in a statement that experts considered the risk of transmission to be low at this stage. Still, they advised citizens to remain vigilant and take preventive measures, as H5N6 and H9N2 virus infections are likely to occur during the winter and spring.
The number of people in China infected with H5N6 bird flu this year has risen, raising concern among some experts, who say a previously circulating strain appears to have changed and may be more infectious to people. According to local government reports and WHO reports, several H5N6-infected people in China had died this year.
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