DH investigates case of severe paediatric influenza A infection
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (July 15) investigating a severe paediatric influenza A infection case. The CHP urged the public to maintain good personal and environmental hygiene at all times to prevent influenza and other respiratory illnesses.
The case involves a 9-month-old boy with good past health. Starting from July 13, his general condition deteriorated, with decreased activity and oral intake. He developed a fever and cough on July 14 and was taken to a clinic. His condition worsened in the afternoon on the same day. He developed shortness of breath, followed by a loss of consciousness and sudden cardiac arrest. He was then sent to the Accident and Emergency Department of Tuen Mun Hospital. The patient's heartbeat was restored after active resuscitation and he was admitted to the paediatric intensive care unit for treatment. His respiratory specimen collected by the hospital on July 14 tested positive for influenza A virus. His clinical diagnosis was influenza A infection complicated with severe pneumonia and shock. He remains hospitalised and is in critical condition.
The CHP's preliminary investigation revealed that the boy had not received the 2025/26 seasonal influenza vaccination. His household contacts remain asymptomatic. The CHP will continue to investigate the case.
Since Hong Kong entered the influenza season in late June, the influenza activity has continued to increase. Based on historical surveillance data, the CHP expects the influenza activity to rise steadily for some time after the start of the influenza season before reaching its peak and is expected to increase further in the coming weeks.
The CHP reminded members of the public, especially children, the elderly and those with underlying illnesses, to seek medical advice promptly for early treatment if they present with fever and respiratory symptoms. As the health condition of children with influenza can deteriorate rapidly, parents must pay close attention to their condition, and visit an accident and emergency department immediately if the child's condition deteriorates with symptoms such as shortness of breath, wheezing, blue lips, chest pain, confusion, a persistent fever or convulsions.
In addition, the public should maintain good personal and environmental hygiene at all times to prevent contracting influenza and other respiratory illnesses. Given that Hong Kong is currently in the influenza season and the COVID-19 activity has significantly increased, high-risk individuals should wear surgical masks when staying in crowded places; the general public is also advised to wear a surgical mask when taking public transport or 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, Photo source: reference image
RTHK stages "Top Ten Chinese Gold Songs - Shanghai Gold Songs Showcase" promoting Shanghai - Hong Kong cultural exchange through music
Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK) today (July 23) held the "Top Ten Chinese Gold Songs - Shanghai Gold Songs Showcase" in Shanghai, comprising a three-week RTHK Vinyl Pop Up and an evening Cantopop party, showcasing Hong Kong's strong musical soft power and further promoting cultural exchanges and integration between Shanghai and Hong Kong.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Director of Broadcasting, Ms Angelina Kwan, said music is a medium that transcends geographical and linguistic boundaries. RTHK hopes to use Cantopop as a bridge, leveraging Hong Kong's unique cultural soft power to deepen cultural ties between Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland, while also bringing the RTHK Top Ten Chinese Gold Songs brand beyond Hong Kong to a wider stage in the Chinese-language music scene.
As a highlight of the event, the RTHK Vinyl Pop Up showcases a collection of treasured items from RTHK's music archive, including about 130 classic vinyl records from different eras, as well as trophies and programme booklets from past editions of Top Ten Chinese Gold Songs Awards. The exhibition features an audiovisual zone and a photo zone, offering visitors an immersive experience to relive the development of Hong Kong popular music. Visitors can write song requests and messages, with selected entries to be read out on RTHK programmes such as "Music Lover" and have a chance to win attractive prizes.
The RTHK Vinyl Pop Up will run from tomorrow (July 24) to August 13 at WYSH, Changning District, Shanghai. Opening hours are 10am to 7pm from Monday to Friday, and 10am to 8.30pm on Saturdays and Sundays. Admission is free.
The "Top Ten Chinese Gold Songs - Shanghai Gold Songs Showcase" is co-organised by RTHK, the Shanghai Hong Kong Association, the Shanghai Fraternity Association and the Federation of Hong Kong - Shanghai Associations, with the Shanghai Chinese Overseas Friendship Association as the guiding unit and Dragon Television as the media partner. Co-organisers include K Wah International Holdings Limited and the Shanghai Defa International Trading Co, Ltd. Supporting organisations include the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Shanghai of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the Shanghai Public Relations Association, the Shanghai Changning Overseas Friendship Association, the Shanghai Xuhui Overseas Chinese Friendship Association, the United Prospect Elite Association, the Hong Kong - Shanghai Youth Association, the Composers and Authors Society of Hong Kong Ltd, IFPI (Hong Kong Group), the Hong Kong Recording Industry Alliance Limited and the Hong Kong Record Merchants Association.
RTHK stages "Top Ten Chinese Gold Songs - Shanghai Gold Songs Showcase" promoting Shanghai - Hong Kong cultural exchange through music Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
RTHK stages "Top Ten Chinese Gold Songs - Shanghai Gold Songs Showcase" promoting Shanghai - Hong Kong cultural exchange through music Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
RTHK stages "Top Ten Chinese Gold Songs - Shanghai Gold Songs Showcase" promoting Shanghai - Hong Kong cultural exchange through music Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
RTHK stages "Top Ten Chinese Gold Songs - Shanghai Gold Songs Showcase" promoting Shanghai - Hong Kong cultural exchange through music Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
