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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is drawing public attention to its investigation into a confirmed case of severe paediatric influenza B infection affecting a 9-year-old boy.
The boy, enjoying good past health, presented with fever, cough and running nose since January 13. He sought medical consultation and received treatment from a general practitioner and Tsuen Wan Adventist Hospital (TWAH) on January 13 and 14. He was admitted to TWAH on January 17 and was later transferred to the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit of Princess Margaret Hospital today (January 22).
The clinical picture of the boy was compatible with myocarditis. He is now in stable condition.
His nasopharyngeal swabs collected in TWAH tested positive for Influenza B.
The boy has no recent travel history. His home contacts are asymptomatic.
A spokesman reminded members of the public to stay vigilant and take precautionary measures against influenza.
They are advised to maintain good personal and environmental hygiene and build up good body immunity by having a proper diet, regular exercise, adequate rest, reducing stress and avoiding smoking.
More details on prevention of influenza are available on CHP's website (www.chp.gov.hk).
Ends/Sunday, January 22, 2012
Issued at HKT 22:33
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