Go to main content
 
CHP investigates two cases of severe paediatric influenza infection
*******************************************************************
     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (March 11) investigating a case of severe paediatric influenza B infection and a case of severe paediatric influenza A infection.
         
     The case of severe paediatric influenza B infection involves an 8-year-old boy with good past health. He has presented with fever and convulsion since March 8. He was admitted to Kwong Wah Hospital on March 10 and subsequently transferred to the paediatric intensive care unit for further management.
      
     His respiratory specimen tested positive for influenza B virus upon laboratory testing. The clinical diagnosis was encephalopathy. He is now in serious condition.
      
     Initial enquiries revealed that the patient had not received seasonal influenza vaccination for the current season and had no travel history in the incubation period. His mother presented with chills while his father developed chills and sore throat recently. Both of them have recovered without seeking medical advices. Other home contact is asymptomatic so far. Investigations are ongoing.
            
     The patient of the case of severe paediatric influenza A infection is a 3-year-old girl who lives in Shenzhen and has good past health. She has presented with fever, cough, running nose and shortness of breath since March 4. She was admitted to Tuen Mun Hospital today and was subsequently transferred to the paediatric intensive care unit for further management.
         
     Her respiratory specimen tested positive for influenza A virus upon laboratory testing. The clinical diagnosis was severe pneumonia. She is in a critical condition. The patient had not received seasonal influenza vaccination for the current season. Her mother is presenting with upper respiratory tract infection symptoms and is in a stable condition. Other home contacts are asymptomatic so far.
      
     The public should maintain good personal and environmental hygiene for protection against influenza and other respiratory illnesses:
 
  • Receive seasonal influenza vaccination for personal protection;
  • Wash hands with liquid soap and water properly whenever possibly contaminated;
  • When hands are not visibly soiled, clean them with 70 to 80 per cent alcohol-based handrub as an effective alternative;
  • Wash or clean hands frequently, especially before touching the mouth, nose or eyes, or after touching public installations such as handrails or door knobs;
  • Cover the nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing, and wash hands thoroughly afterwards;
  • Dispose of soiled tissue paper properly in a lidded rubbish bin;
  • Put on a surgical mask when respiratory symptoms develop;
  • Maintain good indoor ventilation;
  • Avoid going to crowded or poorly ventilated public places; high-risk individuals may consider putting on surgical masks when staying in such places; and
  • Maintain a balanced diet, exercise regularly, take adequate rest, do not smoke and avoid overstress.
 
     For more information, please visit the CHP's influenza page and weekly Flu Express.
 
Ends/Sunday, March 11, 2018
Issued at HKT 18:00
NNNN
Today's Press Releases