CHP investigates case of severe paediatric influenza A infection

Breaking news: chp's urgent investigation into alarming pediatric flu outbreak

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (April 17) investigating a case of severe paediatric influenza A infection and reminded the community to heighten vigilance against influenza. The CHP appealed to members of the public to receive seasonal influenza vaccination (SIV) in a timely manner to better protect themselves during the influenza season.

The case involves an 8-month-old boy with good past health. He developed a fever and cough since April 15, and developed convulsions on the following day when he was taken to the Accident and Emergency Department of Yan Chai Hospital. He was admitted to the paediatric intensive care unit of Princess Margaret Hospital for treatment on the same day. His respiratory specimen was positive for influenza A (H1) virus upon laboratory testing. The clinical diagnosis was influenza A infection complicated with encephalopathy. He is now in serious condition.

Initial enquiries by the CHP revealed that the patient had not received SIV for this season and had no travel history during the incubation period. One of his home contacts is currently symptomatic. The CHP's investigations are ongoing.

A spokesman for the CHP said, "Influenza can cause serious illnesses in high-risk individuals and even healthy persons. SIV is one of the most effective means to prevent seasonal influenza and its complications, as well as reducing influenza-related hospitalisation and death. SIV is recommended for all persons aged 6 months or above except those with known contraindications. Persons at higher risk of getting influenza and its complications, including the elderly and children, should receive SIV early. As it takes about two weeks to develop antibodies, members of the public are advised to receive SIV early for protection against seasonal influenza. Please see details of the vaccination schemes on theCHP's website."

A person who gets influenza and COVID-19 at the same time may be more seriously ill and would have a higher risk of death. It is important to receive both SIV and COVID-19 vaccination as soon as possible, in particular for children and elderly persons residing in the community or residential care homes. The public should also maintain good personal and environmental hygiene against influenza and other respiratory illnesses, and note the following:

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​The public may visit the CHP'sinfluenza pageand weeklyCOVID-19 & Flu Expressfor more information.

Source: AI-generated images

Discover the best of hong kong cinema at far east film festival in udine, italy with support from hketo, brussels

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Brussels (HKETO, Brussels), together with Create Hong Kong, the Film Development Fund (FDF) and the Hong Kong International Film Festival Society, supported the screening of Hong Kong films at the 26th Far East Film Festival (FEFF) in Udine, Italy from April 24 to May 2 (Udine time).

At the 26th FEFF, international audiences in Italy are being treated to a special selection of films titled "Making Waves – Navigators of Hong Kong Cinema" ("Making Waves"), which showcases films from both the established and the new and emerging talents. The "Making Waves" featured nine recently released Hong Kong films with Customs Frontline by Hong Kong director Herman Yau closing the FEFF. The Hong Kong film industry was well-represented in FEFF by the many directors, producers, screenwriters and actors from Hong Kong.

Speaking at the Hong Kong Film Night on April 27, the Deputy Representative of the HKETO, Brussels, Miss Fiona Li, highlighted the efforts of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government in supporting Hong Kong’s creative industries and further strengthening Hong Kong’s role as a bridge between East and West for international cultural exchanges.

Miss Li said that an amount of EUR 165 million will be injected into the Film Development Fund as announced in the 2024-25 Budget. Aimed at further facilitating international collaboration and elevating Hong Kong cinema on the global stage, FDF has recently launched a Hong Kong-Europe-Asian Film Collaboration Funding Scheme to provide funding support to eligible film projects co-produced by filmmakers between Hong Kong and European/Asian countries.

The FEFF is one of the largest film festivals in Europe, showcasing the latest productions from Asia and receiving significant national and international interest from the film industry, cultural sector and media. This year, a total of 79 movies from 12 countries/regions are screened in the FEFF.

HKETO, Brussels supports Hong Kong films at Far East Film Festival in Udine, Italy Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases