China has announced three human cases of H5N1 infection since the beginning of 2008, and all three cases have been confirmed by the World Health Organization (WHO). The first case was a 22-year-old male from Jianghua County, Yongzhou Prefecture, Hunan Province who developed symptoms on January 16, was hospitalized on January 23, and died on January 24. Investigations into the source of his infection are still ongoing. The second case was a 41-year-old male from Xixiangtang District of Nanning City of Guangxi Autonomous Region who had contact with sick and dead poultry prior to his illness onset on February 12, and died on February 20. The third case was a 44-year-old female from Haifeng County, Shanwei City, Guangdong Province who had contact with sick and dead poultry, developed symptoms on February 16, was hospitalized on February 22, and died on February 25.
On the other hand, according to data released by the Office International des Epizooties (OIE) and the Ministry of Agriculture of the People’s Republic of China, since the beginning of this year, three highly pathogenic outbreaks of H5N1 avian influenza in poultry have occurred in China, including one that occurred in Gongga Town, Gongga Prefecture, Tibet Autonomous Region on January 21, another one that occurred in Sema Village, Duilongdeqing Town, Lhasa Municipality, Tibet Autonomous Region on February 6, and the third one that occurred in Beiyuan community, Fenygyi Town, Zunyi City, Guizhou Province on February 17.
Although the avian influenza outbreaks among poultry have predominantly occurred in the northwestern part of China, most human cases of avian influenza have primarily occurred in the central and the southern parts of China, including Guangdong Province. Particularly, many Taiwanese merchants reside in or travel to and from Guangdong Province. In addition, most confirmed human cases of H5N1 infection have been found to have exposure history to poultry. Therefore, Taiwan CDC would like to remind people planning to visit avian influenza affected areas to avoid direct contact with birds and their excreta, and avoid purchases of the related products. Poultry meat and eggs must be fully cooked before serving. If high fever or influenza-like symptoms develop, please seek medical attention immediately and inform the doctor of the recent travel history. For more information, please visit the Taiwan CDC website (http://www.cdc.gov.tw) and look under “Travelers’ Health”, or dial the toll-free consultation hotline, 1922, operated by Taiwan CDC.