Hong Kong stays alert on H7N9 cases

Source of infection has not yet been found.

According to a report, Hong Kong and Guangdong health authorities will exchange the latest information and maintain close liaison in their investigations into the recent human H7N9 infections.

Centre for Health Protection Controller Dr Leung Ting-hung told the media today the source of infection has not yet been found.

The first patient handled live chicken in the Longgang district of Shenzhen, but she did not know the exact source of the chicken, Dr Leung said.

Family members of the second patient bought a slaughtered chicken in Fuyong town in Shenzhen, but the patient did not come into contact with live chicken and did not visit a live poultry market.

Mainland health authorities have taken samples from markets, but so far no positive results have been found, he added.

The female patient, 36, is still in serious condition but is improving, while the second patient, an 80-year-old man, still has a fever and is being treated also for a heart condition. Both patients are under close scrutiny.

Dr Leung appealed to the public to maintain personal and environmental hygiene, and avoid contact with wild animals, and live birds and live poultry, especially when travelling.