The Ministry of Health has notified the Centre for Health Protection of a confirmed case of avian influenza H5N1 in a person in Fujian Province.

The patient is a 44-year-old farmer now under treatment in a hospital who developed a fever and cough on February 18. China Centre for Diseases Control & Prevention lab tests showed she was H5N1 positive.

Hong Kong health officials are staying in close touch with the ministry to glean more information on the case.

People are reminded to stay alert to preventing bird flu, and to adopt the following measures:
* avoid direct contact with poultry and birds or their droppings; if you do come into contact, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water;
* thoroughly cook poultry and eggs before eating them;
* wash your hands frequently;
* cover your nose and mouth while sneezing or coughing, and throw used tissues into covered bins;
* avoid crowded places and contact with sick people with fever;
* wear a mask when you have respiratory symptoms or need to take care of patients with fever; and
* when you have fever and flu-like illnesses during a trip or when coming back to Hong Kong, should consult doctors promptly and reveal your travel history.

For more information on bird flu, please visit the Centre for Health Protection website: http://www.chp.gov.hk.