of hong kong diagnoses first human bird flu case in 7 years

Hong Kong diagnoses first human bird flu case in 7 years: Hong Kong has diagnosed the first human case of bird flu in seven years.

The first human case of bird flu in seven years has been diagnosed in Hong Kong, health officials said Thursday, urging the public to take precautions. A 59-year-old woman was hospitalized in serious condition after a trip to mainland China, the Hong Kong Department of Health said.

Her illness was diagnosed as influenza A (H5), a variant of bird flu. It was unclear where she had contracted the disease. She did not have any contact with live poultry and did not visit farms while in China, Hong Kong health officials said. Her 60-year-old husband developed possible symptoms of bird flu, but has recovered.

Hong Kong health officials have stepped up surveillance by testing patients with severe pneumonia for bird flu. They also have launched a hotline to answer questions from the public, and are working with health officials in mainland China to monitor any occurrences.

Influenza A virus subtype H5N1