An additional case of H5N6 in Jiangsu, Hong Kong’s Department of Health urged to stay away from live poultry in the Mainland.

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Hong Kong Department of Health is today (11) closely monitoring a new case of human infection of avian influenza A (H5N6) in the Mainland, and is again urging the public to maintain personal, food and environmental hygiene at all times, both locally and while travelling.

The case involves an 81-year-old woman, a farmer from Changzhou City, Jiangsu Province, who had contact with live chickens at home before showing symptoms on Nov. 16. She was hospitalized and passed away on November 27. Since 2014, a total of 25 human cases of avian influenza A (H5N6) have been reported by the mainland health authorities.

A spokesman for the Centre for Health Protection said that all novel influenza A, including H5N6, is a statutorily notifiable infectious disease in Hong Kong. People visiting the Mainland or other affected areas should avoid wet markets, live poultry markets or farms. When visiting friends and relatives, be aware of the presence of backyard poultry. Do not buy live birds or freshly slaughtered poultry, and avoid contact with birds or their droppings. Maintain personal and hand hygiene at all times when visiting any place where live poultry are present.