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Hong Kong’s CHP has posted the following statement regarding the recently announced increase in H7N9 cases out of China.
Four human cases of Influenza A (H7N9) in Jiangsu verified by NHFPC
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health tonight (April 2) verified with the National Health and Family Planning Commission (NHFPC) four confirmed human cases of Influenza A (H7N9) in Jiangsu, involving one man and three women, aged from 32 and 83, all of whom currently in critical condition.
Laboratory tests on the patients' specimens by the Mainland health authorities yielded positive results for H7N9.
According to the Health Department of Jiangsu, the 45-year-old female patient is a poultry worker and no epidemiological links were identified among the four cases at this stage. So far, the 167 close contacts of the four patients are asymptomatic.
A spokesman stressed that the CHP is closely monitoring the situation, will continue to maintain close liaison with the Mainland health authorities for more case information as well as keep a close eye on the advice from the World Health Organization.
The spokesman also advised travellers especially those returning from Shanghai, Anhui and Jiangsu with respiratory symptoms to wear facial masks and seek medical attention and reveal their travel histories to doctors. Health-care professionals should also pay special attention to those travellers who might have contact with birds or poultry in the three places.
