Toddler infected with avian flu after visiting Sha Tin wet market

A two-year-old boy has come down with Influenza A (H9) and was clinically diagnosed with novel influenza after visiting a live poultry stall at Wo Che Market in Sha Tin.

The stall continued operations in the morning with live chickens being sold. He had visited the stall and touched the surroundings there. Authorities do not rule out that he was infected because of the contaminated environment.

Some shoppers say they would avoid contact with live poultry as much as possible and wear gloves when handling purchased chicken.

The Centre for Health Protection has conducted a joint investigation with the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department and collected environmental samples. No staff at the stall have shown symptoms so far.

At a Kowloon City market, a live poultry vendor says they are not worried about impacts on businesses and have maintained strict hygiene measures.