Prisca Tang
The Health Bureau said in a statement yesterday that the Guangdong health authorities have reported a case of H5N6 avian influenza, also known as bird flu, in Dongguan, some 90 kilometres northeast of Macau.
“Last month, a 52-year-old woman who lives in Huizhou was also diagnosed with H5N6 bird flu.”
According to the statement, the 53-year-old male patient started to show bird flu symptom, such as fever, headache and dizziness, on September 13. The statement noted that on Sunday the patient went to seek medical help but on the following day he started to have shortness of breath and was given oxygen to help with his breathing.
The statement pointed out that the patient’s health deteriorated on Tuesday and he was placed in the intensive care unit (ICU). After testing the patient’s phlegm sample, the hospital confirmed that he is an H5N6 bird flu carrier, pointing out that the patient was still in critical condition yesterday. The statement added that the patient has a history of interacting with poultry.
The statement noted that since 2014, Anhui, Guangdong, Guangxi, Hubei, Hunan, Jiangsu, Sichuan and Yunnan have all recorded cases of H5N6.
The bureau said that it will closely monitor the situation and keep in contact with the national and neighbouring regions’ health authorities, as well as the World Health Organisation (WHO).
The statement said in order to prevent the spread of avian influenza, the bureau is urging residents to abide by procedures such as to avoid contact with poultry faeces, and if so to wash hands immediately; to avoid purchasing or bringing any types of uncertified poultry into the city; not to eat uncooked poultry meat, animal organs, blood-made food items or eggs; to pay close attention to personal hygiene; and if one shows bird flu symptoms, such as fever, cough or difficulty in breathing, to contact a doctor immediately and reveal one’s recent travel details and interaction with animals.
For more information, visit www.ssm.gov.mo or contact the bureau on 2870 0800.
