Press Releases

SFH on confirmed human case of avian influenza A(H7N9)

Following is the transcript of remarks made by the Secretary for Food and Health, Dr Ko Wing-man, after attending the 12th Joint Meeting of Senior Health Officials of the Mainland, Hong Kong and Macao today (December 5):

Reporter: (On the source of infection of the first confirmed human case of avian influenza A(H7N9) in Hong Kong, and the accusation that Tuen Mun Hospital has delayed in detecting the virus)

Secretary for Food and Health: Regarding the first patient diagnosed as having avian influenza A(H7N9), investigation relating to the epidemiological aspect, especially the source of infection, is still continuing. The Controller of the Centre for Health Protection, Dr Leung Ting-hung, will give an update later. On the clinical testing of the infection, although there are guidelines for the clinical staff, doctors still have to make clinical judgement considering the individual condition of every patient. In this particular incident, a particular factor which might have affected the judgement of the doctor-in-charge would be the fact that the patient has not disclosed earlier that she went to Shenzhen and had a contact history with poultry.

(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)

Ends/Thursday, December 5, 2013
Issued at HKT 20:30

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