The Centre for Health Protection is investigating the first imported human case of avian influenza A(H7N9) this winter involving a 75-year-old man with underlying illnesses.
The patient travelled to Changping, Dongguan, on November 28 and attended a hospital there for chest discomfort on December 8.
He returned to Hong Kong via Lo Wu on December 9 and was admitted to North District Hospital.
He tested positive for enterovirus/rhinovirus and negative for influenza.
He then developed a fever on December 17 and the clinical diagnosis was pneumonia.
Another test taken today confirmed influenza A(H7N9).
The patient has been isolated and is in serious condition.
He said he had no recent exposure to poultry or wet markets. His home contacts are asymptomatic.
The centre urged the public to maintain strict personal, food and environmental hygiene locally and during travel.
