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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (May 17) investigating a case of severe paediatric influenza B 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 male patient, aged 8 with good past health, has developed fever, cough, sore throat and runny nose since May 9. He was admitted to Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) for management on May 11 and the diagnosis was pneumonia. His nasopharyngeal swab (NPS) collected upon admission tested negative for influenza antigen by QEH. His fever later subsided and he was discharged on May 12.
The boy developed fever again on May 13 and was admitted to QEH yesterday (May 16). He was subsequently transferred to the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit for further management on the same day. His NPS taken upon admission tested positive for influenza B antigen by QEH. The clinical diagnoses were pneumonia and pleural effusion and he is now in serious condition.
Initial enquiries revealed that the patient had no recent travel history. His home contact has remained asymptomatic.
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/Tuesday, May 17, 2016
Issued at HKT 19:14
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