Hong Kong health authorities are on alert following the discovery of the city's first human case of bird flu in seven years, even as they played down the threat of a major new outbreak.
Officials are trying to determine if the 59-year-old woman who tested positive for influenza A (H5), a variant of the avian flu, contracted the disease within the city.
In a news conference Thursday, York Chow, the secretary for food and health, said the risk of avian flu in Hong Kong is "not significantly higher than before." Nonetheless, he said all public hospitals are operating at the serious-response level under the government's preparedness plan for an influenza pandemic. Visitors are required to wear surgical masks, the number of visitors is limited and visiting hours are shortened.
The Center for Health Protection is also testing all people with severe pneumonia for the bird flu. The city's last case of avian flu in humans was in 2003. In 1997, Hong Kong was site of the world's first major human outbreak, which left six dead.
The government will also increase testing of chickens crossing from mainland China. In addition, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department will inspect 30 Hong Kong farms and obtain samples for further testing.
The bird-flu patient, who's in serious condition at Princess Margaret Hospital, traveled in mainland China for 10 days before returning to Hong Kong Nov. 1. She developed her first symptom, a runny nose, the next day.
Though the woman said she made no farm visits and had no contact with live poultry during her trip, Mr. Chow said it is "most likely" that's when she contracted the flu. But officials can't say for certain, as the incubation period can range from one day to two weeks.
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