Human Case of Avian Influenza A(H5N1) Turns Fatal

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is closely monitoring a human case of avian influenza A(H5N1) in the Mainland.

The case involves a 38-year-old woman living in Qinzhou, Guangxi, who had exposure to live domestic poultry before onset. She developed symptoms on September 22 and was admitted for treatment on September 25.

Unfortunately, she passed away on October 18, 2022.

From 2005 to date, 54 human cases of avian influenza A(H5N1) have been reported by Mainland health authorities.

On November 30, 2022, the CHP urged the public to maintain strict personal, food, and environmental hygiene locally and during travel.

"All novel influenza A infections, including H5N1, are notifiable infectious diseases in Hong Kong," a spokesman for the CHP stated in a related press release.

Avian influenza is caused by those influenza viruses that mainly affect birds and poultry, such as chickens or ducks.

Clinical presentation of avian influenza in humans may range from flu-like symptoms to severe respiratory illness.

The public may visit the CHP's pages for more information: the avian influenza page, global statistics, and affected areas of avian influenza.

The U.S. CDC confirms the annual flu shot does not offer protection against avian or swine influenza.

Additional avian influenza outbreak and vaccine information is posted at PrecisionVaccinations.com/Avian.