This undated photo shows the Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health, Hong Kong. (PHOTO / HKSAR GOVERNMENT)

Hong Kong’s health authorities have urged the public again to maintain strict personal, food and environmental hygiene, both locally and during travel, following the death of a woman in Zhejiang province from a mixed infection of influenza A (H3N2) and avian influenza A (H10N5).

Mainland health authorities said the case of the 63-year-old woman, who was originally from Anhui province, is rare and the likelihood of human-to-human transmission is low. 

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The woman with underlying medical problems developed symptoms on Nov 30 and was admitted to a local hospital for treatment on Dec 2. On Dec 7, she was transferred to a hospital in neighboring Zhejiang province and passed away on Dec 16. 

All novel influenza A infections, including H10N5, are notifiable infectious diseases in Hong Kong.

Spokesman, Centre for Health Protection, HKSAR

Provincial and national disease control carried out genome sequencing on samples and confirmed she was infected with combined strains of H3N2 and H10N5 last week.

Her close contacts did not show any abnormalities during the medical surveillance period, the Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health said in a statement citing the National Disease Control and Prevention Administration.

No other suspected cases were found, they added.

Saying that it is closely monitoring the co-infection case, a CHP spokesman said: "All novel influenza A infections, including H10N5, are notifiable infectious diseases in Hong Kong.”

Urging travelers to the Chinese mainland or other affected areas to avoid visiting wet markets, live poultry markets or farms, the CHP advised people to remain alert to the presence of backyard poultry while visiting relatives and friends. 

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Urging people against purchasing live or freshly slaughtered poultry and touching poultry/birds or their droppings, the CHP advised travelers returning from affected areas to consult a doctor promptly if they develop symptoms.

“It is essential to tell the doctor if they have seen any live poultry during travel, which may imply possible exposure to contaminated environments. This will enable the doctor to assess the possibility of avian influenza and arrange necessary investigations and appropriate treatment in a timely manner.”

While local surveillance, prevention and control measures are in place, the CHP said it will work closely with the World Health Organization and relevant health authorities to monitor the latest developments.