A woman has been diagnosed with H5N6 avian influenza in Shenzhen, China. This is the fourth reported case of H5N6 infection across the world.

According to the Department of Health's Centre for Health Protection, the case was confirmed by the Guandong Health and Family Planning Commission on Tueday. The 26-year-old patient from Bao'an, Shenzhen, is being admitted in a hospital for treatment, but her condition is unstable.

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Chinese experts believe that an outbreak of the virus is unlikely to happen as the case is isolated. The first recorded human case of H5N6 was in 2014 in Sichuan province, southwest of China. 

Hong Kong health department officials have vowed not take the risk and have opted to remain vigilant and cooperate with the World Health Organization (WHO) for updates. According to Ho Pak-leung, the president of Carol Yu's Centre for Infection, the deadly virus was first detected in 2013 in animals. 

Although most influenza viruses do not have the potential to cause disease to humans, some are zoonotic, which means they have the ability to invade human hosts. The disease is usually contracted from birds and poultry animals like chicken and duck. Common manifestations of the virus include infection of the eyes, flu-like symptoms and severe respiratory illness. The usual incubation period is between 7 and 10 days. More deadly types of the virus can result in respiratory failure, multi-organ failure and death.

Meanwhile, the WHO urges tourists visiting avian influenza-stricken areas to refrain from contacts with farms, animals found in live bird markets and slaughter houses contaminated with poultry animals' manure. In addition, travellers are encouraged to practice good hygiene and ensure food safety.

TagsH5N6, influenza virus, outbreak