The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is (September 17) closely monitoring a human case 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 case involves a 40-year-old woman living in Yongzhou in Hunan Province, who had prior exposure to a live poultry market before the onset of symptoms. She developed symptoms on September 8 and was admitted for treatment on the following day. The patient is in serious condition.

From 2014 to date, 43 human cases of avian influenza A(H5N6) have been reported by Mainland health authorities.