MANILA, 2 May 2009 1600 hrs—Hong Kong (China) yesterday announced its first confirmed case of influenza A(H1N1). The patient, a 25-year-old Mexican tourist, boarded a flight from Mexico on 29 April and arrived in Hong Kong (China) on 30 April via a flight from Shanghai.

The traveller checked into a hotel, but on the same day went to hospital where he was immediately transferred to an isolation ward. He developed fever (37.7 ^oC) on 1 May. The patient travelled with his brother and a friend, both of whom were found to be asymptomatic.

Guests and staff at the Hong Kong (China) hotel where the Mexican traveller checked in were placed under quarantine for seven days as Hong Kong (China) raised its pandemic response level its top level: "emergency".

Authorities from China and Hong Kong (China) are "contact tracing" passengers on the flights from Mexico to Shanghai and Shanghai to Hong Kong, and some are being quarantined. Citizens from other countries are among these passengers, and Chinese authorities are following up with their governments.

The confirmed case developed symptoms of a cough, muscle aches, bone pain and a sore throat on 28 April while in Mexico. Chinese authorities say he did not show any signs of illness in Shanghai.

China is the second country in the Western Pacific Region to report a confirmed case. This announcement comes on the heels of another confirmed case reported by the Government of New Zealand. New Zealand now has a total of four confirmed cases, up from three yesterday.

The current influenza A(H1N1) outbreak is a public health emergency of international concern. WHO emphasizes the need for individuals to protect themselves and others and strongly urges people who are ill to delay their travel plans. Returning travellers who are or fall ill should seek appropriate medical care. Member States may have also issued recommendations, and people are encouraged to consult their government’s official website for information.

Where to get more information

During public health emergencies, it is important to seek accurate information about the situation. For official information on this evolving situation and for technical and communication guidance for health administrators, health professionals and the general public, please click on the following links:

World Health Organization

US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 

France

Travel advice (1 May 2009)

New guidance on face masks (1 May 2009)

Considerations on influenza A(H1N1) and HIV Infection (April 2009)

Practice general preventive measures for influenza:

• Avoid close contact with people who appear unwell and have fever and cough.
• Wash your hands with soap and water thoroughly and often.

• Practice good health habits including adequate sleep, eating nutritious food, and keeping physically active.

• If you are not sick, you do not have to wear a mask. If you are caring for a sick person, you should wear a mask. All home-made masks should be cleaned regularly.

• If you are sick, stay at home and avoid contact with people.

If you feel unwell, have high fever, cough or sore throat:

• Stay at home and keep away from work, school or crowds.
• Rest and take plenty of fluids.
• Cover your mouth and nose with disposable tissues when coughing and sneezing, and dispose of the used tissues properly.
• Wash your hands with soap and water often and thoroughly, especially after coughing or sneezing.
• Inform family and friends about your illness and try to avoid contact with people.

• Contact your doctor or health care provider before travelling to a health facility, and report your symptoms. Explain why you think you have influenza A(H1N1), for example, if you have recently travelled to a country where there is an outbreak in humans. Follow the advice given to you.

• If it is not possible to contact your health care provider in advance, communicate your suspicion of infection as soon as you arrive at the facility.

• Cover your nose and mouth during travel.

• Separate the ill person from others, at least 1 meter in distance from others.

• Cover your mouth and nose when caring for the ill person. Either commercial or home-made materials are fine, as long as they are disposed of or cleaned properly after use.

• Wash your hands with soap and water thoroughly after each contact with the ill person.

• Improve the air flow where the ill person is staying. Use doors and windows to take advantage of breezes.

• Keep the environment clean with readily available household cleaning agents.

• If you are living in a country where there are infections, follow additional advice from your national and local health authorities.