Hong Kong public hospitals will step up the surveillance of cases with flu-like symptoms after a special meeting was held by the Hong Kong Hospital Authority Tuesday for the discussion of a confirmed human case of influenza A (H9N2) infection in the city.

A 9-month baby living has been confirmed with A H9 bird flu influenza, the Controller of the Center for Health Protection of the Department of Health of Hong Kong announced Tuesday afternoon.

A special meeting of the Hospital Authority's Central Committee on Infectious Disease was held Tuesday afternoon in which experts in infectious diseases, microbiology, pathology, pediatrics, family medicine, accident and emergency services discussed and reviewed in detail the case, the related risk assessment and existing infection control measures.

It was noted that public hospitals would step up the surveillance of cases with flu-like symptoms, while the current Alert Level would be maintained.

Furthermore, the authority is maintaining close contact with the CHP to monitor and update on the latest development.

The baby girl concerned is now being monitored and treated under isolation at Princess Margaret Hospital with mild symptoms of running nose and normal body temperature. Her condition is stable.

United Christian Hospital, at which the baby girl was admitted to earlier, will conduct a review with all health care workers who have been in close contact with the patient for medical surveillance.

(Xinhua News Agency March 21, 2007)