Girl recovered from influenza A virus (H9N2)

The Centre for Health protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is investigating a case of influenza A virus (H9N2), a mild form of avian influenza, involving a nine "month-old girl who has recovered after treatment.

The Controller of CHP, Dr Thomas Tsang said today (March 20) that this was the third time H9N2 viruses, an avian influenza virus, were isolated from humans in Hong Kong. Two girls and a boy were confirmed to have suffered from H9N2 infection in 1999 and 2003 respectively.

Dr Tsang said the baby girl, living in Tseung Kwan O, developed symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection and fever on March 4. She was admitted to United Christian Hospital on March 6 and discharged on March 9.

Dr Tsang said that influenza A (H9N2) viruses were detected from the girl's nasopharyngeal aspirate specimen by the CHP's Public Health Laboratory Services Branch this afternoon.
"Further genetic sequencing is being conducted to determine if the virus is completely of avian origin," Dr Tsang said.

The department will inform the World Health Organization (WHO), Ministry of Health, the health authorities in Macau and Guangdong about the findings.

CHP investigations so far revealed that the girl did not travel outside Hong Kong recently. His family members have no symptoms of influenza.

"This is an isolated case and the source of infection is being investigated. Based on previous experience, however, we will look especially into bird-to-human transmission.
"We will look into histories of bird and poultry exposure, visits to places with birds and animals, contact with diseased people or animals," Dr Tsang said.

The department will issue letters to doctors to alert the medical community and institutions to reinforce the importance of personal and environmental hygiene to prevent avian influenza and other infectious diseases.
Influenza A (H9N2) is an avian influenza virus which has been isolated from duck and chicken for many years. Infection in humans is rare, and appears to present as a mild disease.

Dr Tsang said that Hong Kong has a very comprehensive avian influenza surveillance programme to detect the presence of any avian influenza in our environment and the possible reassortment of the viruses so that prompt responsive measures can be taken.

As a precautionary measure, members of the public are reminded to avoid contacts with live poultry to minimize the chance of being infected with avian influenza.

"Hands should be washed thoroughly with soap and water after handling live poultry.

"To build up good body resistance against influenza, the public are encouraged to maintain a balanced diet, do regular exercise, and have adequate rest. They should not smoke," Dr Tsang noted.