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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (March 9) investigating a case of severe paediatric influenza A infection, and again urged the public, particularly young children, to get vaccinated promptly and observe strict hand, personal and environmental hygiene amid the winter influenza season. Children, the elderly and those with chronic diseases should promptly seek medical advice if influenza-like symptoms develop.
The 18-month-old baby girl, with underlying illnesses, has developed fever, runny nose and shortness of breath since March 3. She was brought to Accident and Emergency Department of Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) where she was directly admitted to the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit for further treatment on March 8. Her clinical diagnosis was pneumonia complicated with pneumothorax and pneumomediastinum. She is now in a serious condition.
Her nasopharyngeal swab tested positive for influenza A (H1) virus by QEH.
The CHP's initial enquiries revealed that the patient lives in Canada and travelled to Hong Kong with her family members on March 6. Her father and elder brother had recent upper respiratory tract infection symptoms with stable condition, while other travel collaterals were asymptomatic. Investigations are ongoing.
The public should maintain good personal and environmental hygiene 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;
* 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;
* When influenza is prevalent, 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.
The public may visit the CHP's pages below for more information:
* The influenza page (www.chp.gov.hk/en/view_content/14843.html);
* The weekly Flu Express report (www.chp.gov.hk/en/view_content/2108.html); and
* The vaccination schemes page (www.chp.gov.hk/en/view_content/17980.html).
Ends/Wednesday, March 9, 2016
Issued at HKT 19:31
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