HK confirms H7N9 bird flu diagnosis

The first diagnosis of the H7N9 bird flu in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region has been confirmed, according to a senior local government official.

The 36-year-old woman is a maid from Indonesia, Ko Wing-man, secretary of the Hong Kong Food and Health Bureau, told local media on Monday night.

"The patient, who recently visited the Shenzhen special economic zone and had contact with live chickens, has now been isolated in a ward for treatment," Ko was quoted as saying by cri.cn.

Four family members who had close contact with the patient also have similar, though mild, symptoms and will have a virus test, Ko said.

The patient fell ill with a fever when she returned to Hong Kong after visiting poultry markets in Shenzhen on Nov 17.

She immediately visited a local private doctor.

But her condition worsened on Nov 27 and X-rays showed she had serious pneumonia. A blood test indicated she was positive for the H7N9 virus.

Ko said the Hong Kong government is considering introducing emergency measures to help fight the disease.

The SAR government might suspend sales of live poultry from the mainland, he added.