The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (February 6) investigating a case of severe paediatric influenza A infection.
 
     The 5-year-old boy, with good past health, has presented with fever and convulsions since February 4. He attended the Accident and Emergency Department of Prince of Wales Hospital and was admitted to the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit for further management on the same day.
 
     His nasopharyngeal aspirate tested positive for influenza A virus upon testing. The clinical diagnosis is influenza A infection complicated with status epilepticus and clinically suggestive of meningitis. The patient is now in a stable condition and was transferred back to the general ward today.
 
     Initial enquiries revealed that the patient had no travel history during the incubation period and had received the latest seasonal influenza vaccine. His home contacts have 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 following CHP pages for more information: the influenza page, the weekly Flu Express report and the vaccination schemes page.

Ends/Monday, February 6, 2017
Issued at HKT 19:00

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