The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health of HongKong S.A.R is (October 27) 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 66-year-old man living in Yongzhou in Hunan Province. He is a farmer and had contact with live domestic poultry. He developed symptoms on September 25, and was admitted for treatment on September 27. The patient is in critical condition.

From 2014 to date, 49 human cases of avian influenza A(H5N6) have been reported by Mainland health authorities.