In Hong Kong, for the first time in seven years, a case of bird flu
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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In Hong Kong, for the first time in seven years, the case of H5N1 (avian influenza) has been documented, the authorities are taking measures to prevent the spread of the disease.
As reported by Chinese media, the H5N1 flu was diagnosed in a 59-year-old Hong Kong resident who returned from a trip to mainland China on November 1. The patient is hospitalized, her condition is assessed as severe. Sanitary services examined eight people who were in close contact with the patient, including her husband and two children, they had no signs of illness.
To date, the Hong Kong Health Department has announced an increased level of epidemic threat, a hotline has been created to promptly receive signals from the public about possible cases of the disease. It remains to be seen whether the patient became infected after returning to Hong Kong or while on the mainland.
The disease, now known as avian influenza, is an infectious disease of birds caused by one of the strains of the influenza A virus. Scientists suggest that migratory birds play a key role in spreading the infection. Particularly susceptible to epidemics are poultry, including chickens and turkeys. The first confirmed case of infection of people with avian influenza was registered in Hong Kong in 1997.
Recall that in March this year on a poultry farm in the Romanian village of Letya, near the border with Ukraine, was recorded outbreak of avian flu. The whole bird on the infected farm was destroyed.
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