**********************************************************
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (February 17) investigating a case of severe paediatric influenza B infection affecting a boy aged 1.
The patient, with good past health, developed fever, cough, runny nose and convulsion since February 15. He was admitted to the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit of United Christian Hospital (UCH) yesterday (February 16). His clinical diagnosis was pneumonia and status epilepticus. He is currently in serious condition.
His respiratory specimen tested positive for influenza B virus upon laboratory testing by UCH.
Initial enquiries by the CHP revealed that the patient had no recent travel history. His parents and elder brother had upper respiratory tract infection symptoms, and they are now in stable condition.
To prevent respiratory tract infections, a spokesman for the CHP urged members of the public to take heed of the following advice:
* Build up good body immunity by having a proper diet, regular exercise and adequate rest, reducing stress and avoiding smoking;
* Maintain good personal hygiene, wash hands after sneezing or coughing and cleaning the nose, and wear a mask when symptoms of respiratory tract infection develop;
* Maintain good ventilation;
* Avoid visiting crowded places with poor ventilation; and
* Receive seasonal influenza vaccination. For details, please visit the Influenza Page of the CHP's website (www.chp.gov.hk/en/view_content/14843.html).
Ends/Monday, February 17, 2014
Issued at HKT 17:09
NNNN
