Further updates on H5N1 case

Source: Centre for Health Protection, Hong Kong PRC SAR, full text: (LINK).]

Further updates on H5N1 case


The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (June 4) provided further updates on the Influenza A (H5N1) case involving a 2-year-old boy.

Further tests conducted by the Public Health Laboratory Services Branch of the CHP on the Influenza A virus isolate from the nasopharyngeal aspirate taken from the boy showed that the H5 gene of the isolate belonged to clade 2.3.2.1, which is the same clade as the isolates from wild birds detected in 2011 and 2012 and in the imported human infection case in late 2010.

So far all the genes characterised belong to avian origin and there is no evidence of resistance to the antiviral agent oseltamivir (Tamiflu).

The boy is currently receiving intensive care in the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit of Princess Margaret Hospital.

Investigation into the cause of his obstructive hydrocephalus is still under way. His current condition remains serious.

The CHP so far has kept some 80 contacts under medical surveillance.

Nasopharyngeal aspirates taken from the parents and the five contacts who reported respiratory symptoms tested negative for Influenza A (H5).

As at 5pm today, a total of 20 public enquiries have been received on the DH hotline (2125 1111).

The investigation is continuing.Ends/Monday, June 4, 2012
Issued at HKT 17:54

Hattip Giuseppe Michieli