Skip directly to search Skip directly to A to Z list Skip directly to navigation Skip directly to site content Skip directly to page options
CDC Home
HAN

 

 

 

This is an official
CDC HEALTH UPDATE

Distributed via Health Alert Network
Wednesday, March 05, 2003, 20:44 EST (08:44 PM EST)
CDCHAN-00116-03-03-05-UPD-N

CDC Update in Response to Avian Influenza Detection

Two cases of influenza virus A (H5N1), an influenza subtype usually found in birds, were confirmed in Hong Kong during the week of February 16-21, 2003. In 1997, 18 persons were hospitalized, six of whom died, from an influenza A (H5N1) infection. The primary source of infection in 1997 was contact with infected poultry. Laboratory testing is ongoing to determine the differences and similarities between the 1997 and 2003 H5N1 viruses.

The people who tested positive for the H5N1 virus became ill while visiting relatives in Fujian Province, China. It is undetermined whether their illness was contracted in their home region in Hong Kong, Fujian Province in which they were visiting, or during travel.

There is no indication that the influenza A (H5N1) virus has spread outside of Asia and it is unclear whether person-to-person transmission of this virus among persons in Hong Kong or elsewhere in China has taken place. No influenza A (H5N1) isolates have been detected in the United States.

CDC is in communication with the World Health Organization (WHO) regarding these human cases of H5N1 infection.

The Hong Kong Department of Health advised its people in the area to avoid direct contact with poultry and birds, and to wash hands with soap and water if contact has been made.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) protects people's health and safety by preventing and controlling diseases and injuries; enhances health decisions by providing credible information on critical health issues; and promotes healthy living through strong partnerships with local, national and international organizations.

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES


HAN Message Types
  • Health Alert: Conveys the highest level of importance; warrants immediate action or attention. Example: HAN00001
  • Health Advisory: Provides important information for a specific incident or situation; may not require immediate action. Example: HAN00316
  • Health Update: Provides updated information regarding an incident or situation; unlikely to require immediate action. Example: HAN00309
  • Info Service: Provides general information that is not necessarily considered to be of an emergent nature. Example: HAN00319

 

## This Message was distributed to State and Local Health Officers, Public Information Officers, Epidemiologists and HAN Coordinators as well as Clinician organizations ##

You have received this message based upon the information contained within our emergency notification database. If you have a different or additional e-mail or fax address that you would like us to use, please contact your State-based Health Alert Network program at your State or local health department.


Additional Resources
Contact Us:
Ready.gov - Prepare. Plan. Stay Informed.
USA.gov: The U.S. Government's Official Web PortalDepartment of Health and Human Services
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention   1600 Clifton Rd. Atlanta, GA 30333, USA
800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636) TTY: (888) 232-6348 - Contact CDC-INFO

A-Z Index

  1. A
  2. B
  3. C
  4. D
  5. E
  6. F
  7. G
  8. H
  9. I
  10. J
  11. K
  12. L
  13. M
  14. N
  15. O
  16. P
  17. Q
  18. R
  19. S
  20. T
  21. U
  22. V
  23. W
  24. X
  25. Y
  26. Z
  27. #