The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (May 29) investigating a case of severe paediatric influenza A infection.

     A boy, aged 15 with good past health, developed fever, cough and sore throat since May 25 and consulted a private doctor on May 27. He attended Tuen Mun Hospital yesterday (May 28) due to a deteriorating condition and was admitted to the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit for management. The clinical diagnosis was septic shock and he has been in a stable condition.

     His nasopharyngeal aspirate tested positive for influenza A(H3) virus upon laboratory testing.

     Initial enquiries revealed that the patient had not received seasonal influenza vaccination for the current season and had no travel history during the incubation period. His home contacts have remained asymptomatic so far.

     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 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;
• 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 influenza page, weekly Flu Express report and vaccination schemes page for more information.

Ends/Monday, May 29, 2017
Issued at HKT 19:10

NNNN