The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) is (July 14) closely monitoring a human case of avian influenza A(H5N6) in Sichuan Province, and again urged the public to maintain strict personal, food and environmental hygiene both locally and during travel.

The case involves a 55-year-old man living in Bazhong City in Sichuan Province. He developed symptoms on June 30 and was admitted to hospital for treatment on July 4. The patient is in critical condition. The patient had contact with live domestic poultry before the onset of symptoms.

From 2014 to date, 32 human cases of avian influenza A(H5N6) have been reported by the Mainland health authorities.