CHP investigates case of severe paediatric influenza A infection
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The case involves a 22-month-old baby boy with good past health, who has presented with fever, cough and shortness of breath since September 3. He was taken to the Accident and Emergency Department at Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospital for medical attention on September 5 and was transferred to the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit of Prince of Wales Hospital for further management on the same day.
His respiratory specimen tested positive for influenza A virus upon laboratory testing. The clinical diagnosis was influenza A infection complicated with pneumonia. He is now in serious condition.
Initial enquiries revealed that the patient had not received a seasonal influenza vaccination for the 2018-19 season and had no travel history during the incubation period. His home contacts have remained asymptomatic so far.
The CHP's investigations are ongoing.
"The latest surveillance data showed that the overall local seasonal influenza activity was at a low level. The 2019/20 seasonal influenza vaccination programmes including the Vaccination Subsidy Scheme and the Government Vaccination Programme will be launched on October 9 and 23 respectively. Eligible persons should receive a seasonal influenza vaccination in a timely manner to better protect themselves in the next winter influenza season," a spokesman for the CHP said.
"Meanwhile, the public should continue to adopt strict personal, hand and environmental hygiene practices against respiratory illnesses and other infectious diseases," the spokesman added.
The public may visit the CHP's influenza page and weekly Flu Express for more information.
Ends/Tuesday, September 10, 2019
Issued at HKT 18:00
Issued at HKT 18:00
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