“If a person contracts two viruses, a gene recombination is likely to happen,” Ko Wing-man was quoted as saying by the South China Morning Post, adding that the mutation could lead to a more contagious virus.
According to the newspaper, Hong Kong has recorded 140 deaths and 241 patients in intensive care related to the seasonal influenza outbreaks in the region as of Saturday.
While in January, Hong Kong health officials culled thousands of chickens from mainland China after tests found the bird flu virus in the poultry.
The seasonal outbreak has overwhelmed public hospital which already experience staff shortages. Ko also warned people not to rely on flu vaccines which would be out of stock until April.
Meanwhile, Hong Kong leader Leung Pak-ying said there will be an appeal for private doctors to work part-time in the public hospitals, as reported by the newspaper.
