The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is (July 23) closely monitoring three human cases of avian influenza A(H5N6) in the Mainland, and again urged the public to maintain strict personal, food and environmental hygiene both locally and during travel.

The first case involved a 51-year-old woman living in Xuanhan in Sichuan Province, who had contact with live domestic poultry before the onset of symptoms. She developed symptoms on June 25, and was admitted for treatment on July 2. The patient passed away on July 4.

The second case involved a 57-year-old man living in Kaijiang in Sichuan Province, who had contact with live domestic poultry before onset. He developed symptoms on June 22, and was admitted for treatment on July 5. The patient is in critical condition.

The third case involved a 66-year-old man living in Tongnan in Chongqing Municipality, who had contact with live domestic poultry before onset. He developed symptoms on June 23, and was admitted for treatment on June 30. The patient is in critical condition.

From 2014 to date, 35 human cases of avian influenza A(H5N6) have been reported by Mainland health authorities.