China Confirms Another Human Bird Flu Case

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today announced it is closely monitoring a human case of avian influenza A(H5N6) in the Mainland.

As of March 1, 2023, the 'bird-flu' case involves a 49-year-old man living in Qingyuan, Guangdong, who had contact with live domestic poultry before the onset of symptoms on December 17, 2022. He was admitted for treatment on December 21, 2022, and was in serious condition.

"All novel influenza A infections, including H5N6, are notifiable infectious diseases in Hong Kong," a spokesman for the CHP said in a press release.

Travelers to the Mainland or other affected areas must avoid visiting wet markets, live poultry markets, or farms. And they should be alert to the presence of backyard poultry when visiting relatives and friends.

Furthermore, travelers returning from affected areas should consult a doctor promptly if symptoms develop and inform the doctor of their travel history for prompt diagnosis and treatment of potential diseases.

The CHP reported from 2014 to date, 83 human cases of avian influenza A(H5N6) have been reported by Mainland health authorities.

While local surveillance, prevention, and control measures are in place, the CHP will remain vigilant and work closely with the World Health Organization and relevant health authorities to monitor the latest developments.

Bird Flu (Avian influenza) is a disease caused by influenza type A viruses that occur naturally among birds and can infect humans. And Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HAPI) viruses carrying the H1N1, H2N2, and H3N2 combinations were responsible for the outbreaks such as the Spanish flu of 1918, the Asian flu in 1957, and the Hong Kong flu in 1968,

HAPI virus subtypes (H5, H7, H9) A(H5N1) emerged in southern China in 1997.

Bird flu preventive vaccines have limited availability in the U.S. as of March 2023.