MAC cautions travelers bound for Hong Kong over H7N9 flu

Taipei, Oct. 21 (CNA) The Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) on Wednesday cautioned travelers bound for Hong Kong to practice vigilance and take health precautions, following an announcement by the Center for Health Protection in Hong Kong of its first imported human case of H7N9 avian influenza of this winter.

The case reportedly came from a Chinese national visiting the special administrative region.

The MAC advised travelers going from Taiwan to Hong Kong in the next few days to maintain a high degree of caution and take strong protective measures against the virus.

It also cautioned people to avoid direct contact with poultry and other birds, avoid eating uncooked meat and eggs, wash their hands frequently during their stay in the former British colony, and see a doctor immediately if they develop a fever and cough after returning home.

If such symptoms persist, they should immediately wear a mask and seek medical attention, the MAC added.

(By Miao Tsung-han and Ko Lin)ENDITEM/J