The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) is today (December 26) closely monitoring a human fatal case of avian influenza A(H7N9) affecting a man aged 61 in Dongguan, Guangdong Province, and again urged the public to maintain strict personal, food and environmental hygiene both locally and during travel.

     According to the Health and Family Planning Commission of Guangdong Province, the man with underlying illnesses was admitted to a local hospital on December 22 and passed away the next day. The deceased had visited a local market and had contact with live poultry.

     From 2013 to date, 664 human cases of avian influenza A(H7N9) have been reported by the Mainland health authorities.