Two Boys Hospitalized with Severe Paediatric Influenza Infection; Health Officials Urge Vaccination for Public and Prompt Medical Attention

CHP investigates two severe paediatric influenza infection cases

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) is today (May 20) investigating two paediatric cases with developments of severe complications following infection with seasonal influenza. The cases involve two boys with good past health. The CHP reiterated that the seasonal influenza vaccination (SIV) is one of the most effective methods of preventing influenza and its complications, and can reduce the risk of serious complications or death from infection.

The first case involves a 12-year-old boy. On May 12, he developed a fever, sore throat, cough, runny nose and malaise. On May 14, he further developed vomiting and confusion. During this period, the patient attended a private doctor. He was taken to the Accident and Emergency Department of Tseung Kwan O Hospital on May 16, where he was hospitalised for treatment. His condition subsequently worsened, and he was transferred to the paediatric intensive care unit of United Christian Hospital on May 18. His respiratory specimen tested positive for influenza B virus upon laboratory testing. His clinical diagnosis is influenza B complicated with encephalopathy. He remains hospitalised and is in critical condition.

The other case involves a 10-year-old boy. On May 10, he developed a fever, cough and runny nose. He attended a private doctor on the following day (May 11). On May 12, he developed shortness of breath and was taken to the Accident and Emergency Department of Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital. Due to a drop in blood oxygen levels, he was admitted to the hospital's paediatric intensive care unit with a clinical diagnosis of pneumonia. His respiratory specimen tested positive for influenza A virus upon laboratory testing, while tests for other viruses and bacteria were negative. Based on the clinical data, the CHP considered that the boy developed pneumonia as a complication of influenza A infection. The patient has recovered and has been discharged from the hospital.

Upon receiving notifications of these two cases, the CHP immediately conducted epidemiological investigations. Preliminary results revealed that both boys had received the 2025/26 SIV late last year. Neither of them has a recent travel history.

Although influenza activity in Hong Kong remains at a relatively low level, the percentage of respiratory specimens tested positive for seasonal influenza viruses has increased slightly in the last week. Based on past experience, Hong Kong may experience two influenza seasons each year. Last year's summer influenza season began later than usual and lasted longer than normal, extending from early September to early January, resulting in the absence of the winter influenza season that traditionally occurs in the first quarter of each year. Nearly six months have passed now since the last influenza season. Given that many members of the public have not been infected with the seasonal influenza virus in recent months, it cannot be ruled out that influenza activity may rise again. The CHP once again urges all persons aged 6 months or above, except those with known contraindications, that if they have not yet received an SIV, they can still get vaccinated now.

The CHP also reminded members of the public that, especially for children, the elderly and those with underlying illnesses, they should seek medical advice promptly for early treatment if they present with fever and respiratory symptoms. As children with influenza can deteriorate rapidly, parents must pay close attention to their children's condition. They should go to an Accident and Emergency Department immediately if the child's condition deteriorates, for example, if they develop symptoms such as shortness of breath, wheezing, blue lips, chest pain, confusion, a persistent fever or convulsions.

Separately, high-risk individuals should wear surgical masks when staying in crowded places. People with respiratory symptoms, even if mild, should wear a surgical mask and seek medical advice promptly. They should also consider whether to attend work or school.

Members of the public may refer to the CHP's COVID-19 & Flu Express,Seasonal Influenza Webpage, COVID-19 Vaccination Programme Webpage, and Vaccination Schemes Webpage, for the latest information.

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP), Photo source: reference image

2026 final register for Rural Representative Election published today

The 2026 final register for the Rural Representative Election (RRE) was published today (October 16). The final register contains the particulars of the registered electors of Existing Villages, Indigenous Villages, Composite Indigenous Villages and Market Towns. Registered electors may log into the RRE Voter Registration Information Enquiry System through the RRE website (www.had.gov.hk/rre) for perusal of their own registration particulars. They may also call the RRE hotline at 2152 1521 during ordinary business hours for enquiries about the relevant information.

A full copy of the final register is placed at the office of the Electoral Registration Officer located at the Home Affairs Department (HAD), 11/F, Southorn Centre, 130 Hennessy Road, Wan Chai. Copies of the specific divisions of the final register for Rural Areas that belong to the Rural Committees concerned are placed at the offices of the Assistant Electoral Registration Officers in the respective New Territories District Offices (NTDOs), the office addresses of which are set out on the RRE website. Pursuant to section 30 of the Electoral Affairs Commission (Registration of Electors) (Rural Representative Election) Regulation (Cap. 541K), specified persons including members of the press (meaning persons who subscribe to the Government News and Media Information System maintained by the Director of Information Services), political parties (i.e. political bodies/organisations that meet the specified requirements under the Regulation), Heung Yee Kuk, respective Rural Committees for the relevant Rural Areas, indigenous inhabitants of the relevant Indigenous Villages or Composite Indigenous Villages, as well as residents of the relevant Existing Villages or Market Towns can inspect the aforementioned final register of electors for purposes relating to the RRE, by making an appointment through the RRE hotline or the relevant NTDOs during ordinary business hours starting from today.

The ordinary business hours of the HAD and NTDOs in respect of the above matter are from 9am to 1pm and from 2pm to 6pm, Monday to Friday (except general holidays).

Statistical information about the final register is available on the RRE website.

For enquiries, please visit the RRE website or call the RRE hotline.

Source: AI-found images