Sales of live poultry in Macao markets have been suspended for at least three days, starting today. The decision was made after authorities had detected the avian influenza virus subtype H7 in chicken samples at the city’s wholesale market yesterday. The contaminated poultry batch did not go to live poultry stalls at local markets, representatives from the Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau and from the Health Bureau said at a press conference on Tuesday evening (13 December). A 58-year-old man who managed the stall that handled the contaminated poultry at the wholesale market tested positive for avian influenza virus A (H7N9). The patient and his wife – indentified as a close contact of the stall owner – were immediately sent to Conde S. Januário Hospital for treatment and placed under medical surveillance. The patient – Macao’s first confirmed case of human infection with the H7N9 virus – had so far not developed any respiratory symptoms, said the Director of the Health Bureau, Mr Lei Chin Ion, at a separate press briefing held this morning. To safeguard public safety and minimise the risk of spreading of the virus, the Government has culled about 10,000 birds at the Macao Nam Yue Wholesale Market. The action was carried out yesterday evening. A public health contingency mechanism was immediately activated once the virus was detected. It included suspending imports from the suspected farm; and a thorough cleaning and sterilisation of the poultry wholesale market and of all live poultry stalls in local markets. The Health Bureau has already notified the mainland authorities on a mainland driver who had been in close contact with the infected batch of poultry, after it was found the man had already returned to the mainland yesterday. The Government will work closely with health authorities in the mainland – including from neighbouring cities – and will keep in close contact with the World Health Organization, in order to prevent and control spreading of the virus in Macao. Members of the public are urged to remain vigilant and to take heed of the following measures regarding avian influenza prevention: - Avoid visiting markets and farms located in areas where cases of avian influenza virus A (H7N9) have been detected; - Avoid contact with poultry and other birds, and their droppings; in case of contact, thoroughly wash hands with soap and water; - Avoid buying birds that have not passed through quarantine inspections; - Poultry and eggs should be thoroughly cooked before eating; - Wash hands frequently with soap and water; and - Wear masks when respiratory symptoms such as fever and cough develop, and seek medical treatment immediately.
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