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| Jiangsu Province - Credit Wikipedia |
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While the number of H7N9 cases reported out of China has dropped markedly the past few weeks, the virus hasn't gone away. Transmission is very rare during the hot summer months, and isn't expected to pick up until October or November.
This from Hong Kong's CHP.
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (September 1) received notification from the National Health and Family Planning Commission of an additional human case of avian influenza A(H7N9) in Jiangsu, and strongly urged the public to maintain strict personal, food and environmental hygiene both locally and during travel.(Continue . . . )
The male patient, aged 58, in Zhenjiang has died. He had exposure to a live poultry market before onset.
Travellers to the Mainland or other affected areas must avoid visiting wet markets, live poultry markets or farms. They should be alert to the presence of backyard poultry when visiting relatives and friends. They should also avoid purchasing live or freshly slaughtered poultry, and avoid touching poultry/birds or their droppings. They should strictly observe personal and hand hygiene when visiting any place with live poultry.
Travellers returning from affected areas should consult a doctor promptly if symptoms develop, and inform the doctor of their travel history for prompt diagnosis and treatment of potential diseases. It is essential to tell the doctor if they have seen any live poultry during travel, which may imply possible exposure to contaminated environments. This will enable the doctor to assess the possibility of avian influenza and arrange necessary investigations and appropriate treatment in a timely manner.
While local surveillance, prevention and control measures are in place, the CHP will remain vigilant and work closely with the World Health Organization and relevant health authorities to monitor the latest developments.
