84th Human Cases of Avian Influenza A(H5N6) Reported in China

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.

On June 5, 2023, the CHP stated this new (bird flu) case involves a 54-year-old female living in Nanchong, Sichuan, who had exposure to live domestic poultry before the onset of symptoms.

She developed symptoms on May 19, 2023, and was admitted for treatment on the same day. She remains in serious condition.

From 2014 to date, the CHP says Mainland health authorities have reported 84 human cases of avian influenza A(H5N6).

"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. They should be alert to backyard poultry when visiting relatives and friends.

And they should strictly observe personal and hand hygiene when visiting any place with live poultry.

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 World Health Organization (WHO) recently published its Influenza Pandemic Framework's Partnership Contribution High-Level Implementation Plan III outlining a strategy for strengthening global pandemic influenza preparedness from 2024 to 2030.

Furthermore, the WHO confirmed the annual flu shot is not designed to protect people from bird flu viruses.