China reports human H5N6 avian influenza case in Sichuan Province

China reports human H5N6 avian influenza case in Sichuan Province

The Hong Kong Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health announced yesterday an additional human case of avian influenza A(H5N6) in the Mainland, the 13th of 2022 to date.

The case involves a 56-year-old male living in Deyang City in Sichuan Province, who had exposure to live domestic poultry before onset. He developed symptoms on March 31 and was admitted for treatment on April 4. He is in serious condition.

From 2014 to date, 77 human cases of avian influenza A(H5N6) have been reported by Mainland health authorities.

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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 (e.g. fever, cough, sore throat, muscle aches) to severe respiratory illness (e.g. chest infection). Eye infection (conjunctivitis) and gastrointestinal symptoms (e.g. nausea, vomiting and diarrhea) have also been reported. The incubation period ranges from 7 to 10 days. The more virulent forms can result in respiratory failure, multi-organ failure and even death.

Health officials say the public should maintain strict personal, hand, food and environmental hygiene and take heed of the advice below when handling poultry:

Avoid touching poultry, birds, animals or their droppings;

When buying live chickens, do not touch them and their droppings. Do not blow at their bottoms. Wash eggs with detergent if soiled with fecal matter and cook and consume the eggs immediately. Always wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling chickens and eggs;

Eggs should be cooked well until the white and yolk become firm. Do not eat raw eggs or dip cooked food into any sauce with raw eggs. Poultry should be cooked thoroughly. If there is pinkish juice running from the cooked poultry or the middle part of its bone is still red, the poultry should be cooked again until fully done;

Wash hands frequently, especially before touching the mouth, nose or eyes, before handling food or eating, and after going to the toilet, touching public installations or equipment such as escalator handrails, elevator control panels or door knobs, or when hands are dirtied by respiratory secretions after coughing or sneezing; and

Wear a mask if fever or respiratory symptoms develop, when going to a hospital or clinic, or while taking care of patients with fever or respiratory symptoms.