The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (September 3) received notification from the National Health and Family Planning Commission (NHFPC) of two cases of human infection of avian influenza A(H7N9) affecting a woman and a man aged 66 and 53 respectively in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. The woman passed away last month.
 
     According to the NHFPC´s information, the two cases were sporadic and were not epidemiologically linked.

     A total of 438 cases were confirmed in the Mainland, including Zhejiang (139 cases), Guangdong (109 cases), Jiangsu (56 cases), Shanghai (41 cases), Hunan (24 cases), Fujian (22 cases), Anhui (17 cases), Jiangxi (eight cases), Shandong (five cases), Beijing (four cases), Henan (four cases), Guangxi (three cases), Jilin (two cases), Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region (two cases), Guizhou (one case) and Hebei (one case).
 
     "Locally, we will remain vigilant and maintain liaison with the World Health Organization (WHO) and relevant health authorities. Local surveillance activities are ongoing according to the WHO´s recommendations," a spokesman for the DH said.
 
     "In view of cases confirmed in the Mainland, further sporadic cases are expected in affected and possibly neighbouring areas. Those planning to travel outside Hong Kong should maintain good personal, environmental and food hygiene at all times," the spokesman urged.
 
     "All boundary control points have implemented disease prevention and control measures. Thermal imaging systems are in place for body temperature checks of inbound travellers. Suspected cases will be immediately referred to public hospitals for follow-up investigation," the spokesman added.