Disease

First Case of H7N9 Reported in Hong Kong

A 36-year old woman is the first person in Hong Kong to have become infected with the H7N9 bird flu virus, officials said late Monday.

The woman had recently traveled to the nearby city of Shenzhen in mainland China, where she had purchased live poultry. The woman is in critical condition, officials said.

Since the outbreak of H7N9 began in February, 139 people have been sickened with the virus, 45 of whom died, according to the most recent report from the World Health Organisation on Nov. 6.

Nearly all cases have appeared on mainland China, but one case was reported in Taiwan in April. In addition to the new case, four other cases have been reported this fall.