The H5N6 avian flu strain was once believed to be isolated to wild ducks and waterfowls. (Photo : China Daily)
Health authorities in Yunnan Province, southwest China, have confirmed the death of a woman after contracting the H5N6 avian flu. She passed on Friday, July 10.
The 37-year-old woman was a resident of Shangri-La City, Deqen Prefecture. She first started to develop telltale symptoms of the avian flu on Monday. The Yunnan Health and Family Planning Commission later confirmed that she was indeed infected with the bird flu.
According to a news release posted on Hong Kong's official government website, the patient was admitted to a local hospital on July 9. Symptoms included fever and cough with sputum.
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health were later notified by the National Health and Family Planning Commission of the case.
Experts maintain that the incident was an isolated case as no human-to-human transmission occurred between the infected patient and other people. Despite this, the Chinese public is advised to remain vigilant and to exercise hygienic practices at all times to avoid infection.
People are also advised to avoid going to live poultry markets and farms, and to avoid contact with birds, poultry, and their fecal waste.
"Locally, we will remain vigilant and work closely with the World Health Organization and relevant health authorities to monitor the latest developments," said a spokesman for the Department of Health.
"In view of cases confirmed on the mainland, members of the public should maintain good personal, food, and environmental hygiene at all times during travel."
This is the second H5N6-related death this year. Last May, a man from Sichuan Province contracted the flu and died soon after. The case was recorded as the world's first known human infection with the strain, which was once believed to be isolated to wild ducks and waterfowls.
