China: Jiangxi woman dies from H10N8 avian influenza, first such case in humans

The China National Health and Family Planning Commission (NHFPC) has notified the Hong Kong Centre for Health Protection (CHP) today of  a case of human infection and fatality from avian influenza A(H10N8).

photo normanack via Flickr

The specifics of the case is a 73-year-old woman from Jiangxi province was admitted to a local hospital on November 30 for treatment. The woman, who was immunocompromised, was diagnosed with severe pneumonia and she passed away on December 6.

She had a history of  visiting a local live poultry market.

The CHP will follow-up with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Mainland health authorities to obtain more information on the case.

The CHP advises the the public to remain vigilant and are reminded to take heed of the following preventive advice against avian influenza:

* Poultry and eggs should be thoroughly cooked before eating;
* Wash hands frequently with soap, especially before touching the mouth, nose or eyes, handling food or eating; after going to the toilet or touching public installations or equipment such as escalator handrails, elevator control panels or door knobs; or when hands are dirtied by respiratory secretions after coughing or sneezing;
* Cover the nose and mouth while sneezing or coughing, and hold the spit with a tissue and put it into a covered dustbin;
* Avoid crowded places and contact with fever patients; and
* Wear a mask when respiratory symptoms develop or when taking care of fever patients.

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