The Center for Health Protection (CHP) of the Hong Kong Department of Health Thursday reported preliminary negative results for H5N1 in three people who had potential exposure to a chicken found with influenza H5N1 virus in Sha Tau Kok.

The three people include a 42-year-old man, his 78-year-old mother and a 39-year-old woman who had potential exposure to a chicken found with influenza H5N1 virus in Sha Tau Kok in the New Territories of Hong Kong.

Nasopharyngeal aspirates and throat swabs taken from the three showed negative results for H5 avian influenza using RT-PCR by the Hong Kong Public Health Laboratory Center.

The three people were admitted to Princess Margaret Hospital Wednesday for medical observation in isolation wards. As a precautionary measure, the CHP has put them under close medical surveillance.

"The CHP will closely monitor the development and remain on high alert," a CHP spokesman said.

(Xinhua News Agency February 3, 2006)