HONG KONG - Health authorities reported on Friday a human infection of rat hepatitis E virus (HEV) and urged members of the public to be vigilant against the disease.

READ MORE: HK finds 2nd person contracted hepatitis carried in rats

The woman, who lives in Ngau Chi Wan, did not have contact with rodents or rats, and had no travel history during the incubation period

In a press release issued on Friday evening, the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health said the patient involved an 89-year-old woman with underlying illnesses. She had presented with anorexia, abdominal pain and jaundice and was admitted to Kwong Wah Hospital on Aug 17. She is now in stable condition.

The woman, who lives in Ngau Chi Wan, did not have contact with rodents or rats, and had no travel history during the incubation period, said a spokesman for the CHP.

Health authorities could not determine the source of her infection and an investigation is ongoing.

"The CHP has already informed the Pest Control Advisory Section of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department about the case to carry out rodent control measures and a survey as appropriate," the spokesman added.

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