DH investigates case of severe paediatric influenza A infection
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (August 3) 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 7-year-old boy with good past health. He developed a cough and runny nose on July 27, and a fever on August 1. His condition deteriorated today, with decreased responsiveness. He was taken to the Accident and Emergency Department of Princess Margaret Hospital and was admitted to the paediatric intensive care unit for treatment. His respiratory specimen tested positive for influenza A (H3) virus. His clinical diagnosis was influenza A infection complicated with shock and encephalopathy. He remains hospitalised and is in critical condition.
The CHP's preliminary investigation revealed that the boy had received the 2025/26 seasonal influenza vaccination. He had no travel history during the incubation period. One of his household contacts recently developed upper respiratory symptoms and tested positive for influenza virus via a rapid antigen test. However, the household contact's condition was mild and did not require hospitalisation. The household contact has since recovered. The CHP will continue to investigate the case.
"Hong Kong entered the influenza season in late June. The latest surveillance data revealed that the percentage of respiratory specimens testing positive for seasonal influenza viruses was 10.65 per cent and the influenza admission rate in public hospitals was 0.67 cases per 10 000 population last week. Both indicators increased last week. The predominant influenza viruses detected were influenza A (H3) (48 per cent), followed by influenza A (H1) (41 per cent) and influenza B (11 per cent). We expect the level of influenza activity to remain high in the coming weeks," said the Controller of the CHP, Dr Edwin Tsui.
"The World Health Organization has already announced its recommendations for the composition of influenza vaccines for the 2026-2027 season in the northern hemisphere. Vaccine manufacturers are currently producing vaccines in accordance with the recommendations for use by the end of the year. The Government is actively making preparations for the 2026/27 Seasonal Influenza Vaccination programmes. Details will be announced in due course. In addition, influenza and COVID-19 activities are at a high level currently, I urge members of the public, especially children, the elderly and high-risk groups such as those with underlying illnesses or compromised immune systems, to seek medical attention and treatment as soon as possible if they develop a fever or respiratory symptoms, as their condition may deteriorate rapidly. This will help reduce the risk of complications. If you live with members of high-risk groups, you should wear a surgical mask at home and seek medical attention as soon as possible if you develop respiratory symptoms to reduce the risk of infecting them. Other effective ways to reduce the spread of the disease include maintaining household hygiene, frequently cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces, practising good hand hygiene, and ensuring proper indoor air circulation," he added.
Dr Tsui also reminded parents that 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.
Members of the public may refer to the CHP's COVID-19 & Flu Express, Seasonal Influenza Webpage and COVID-19 Vaccination Programme Webpage, for the latest information.
The Centre for Health Protection, Photo source: reference image
Provisional statistics of restaurant receipts and purchases for second quarter of 2026
The Census and Statistics Department (C&SD) released the latest provisional figures on restaurant receipts and purchases today (August 4).
The value of total receipts of the restaurants sector in the second quarter of 2026, provisionally estimated at $27.2 billion, increased by 0.4% over a year earlier. Over the same period, the provisional estimate of the value of total purchases by restaurants increased by 2.5% to $8.8 billion.
After netting out the effect of price changes over the same period, the provisional estimate of the volume of total restaurant receipts decreased by 0.4% in the second quarter of 2026 compared with a year earlier.
Analysed by type of restaurant and comparing the second quarter of 2026 with the second quarter of 2025, total receipts of Chinese restaurants increased by 1.5% in value and 0.7% in volume. Total receipts of non-Chinese restaurants increased by 1.6% in value and 1.0% in volume. Total receipts of fast food shops decreased by 1.5% in value and 2.5% in volume. Total receipts of bars decreased by 3.8% in value and 4.6% in volume. As for miscellaneous eating and drinking places, total receipts decreased by 2.7% in value and 3.6% in volume.
Based on the seasonally adjusted series, the provisional estimate of total restaurant receipts decreased by 0.5% in both value and volume in the second quarter of 2026 compared with the preceding quarter.
Comparing the first half of 2026 with the same period in 2025, total restaurant receipts increased by 0.8% in value but decreased by 0.1% in volume.
To facilitate further understanding of the short-term business performance of the restaurants sector, statistics in respect of the restaurant receipts and purchases in individual months of the reference quarter are also compiled.
Analysed by month, it was provisionally estimated that the value of total receipts of the restaurants sector increased by 0.9%, increased by 0.6% and decreased by 0.5% respectively in April, May and June 2026, compared with the corresponding months in 2025.
After discounting the effect of price changes, it was provisionally estimated that the volume of total restaurant receipts increased by 0.2%, decreased by 0.2% and decreased by 1.3% respectively in April, May and June 2026, compared with the corresponding months in 2025.
Commentary
A Government spokesman said that business of restaurants was largely steady recently. The value of total restaurant receipts increased by 0.4% in the second quarter over a year earlier, rendering an increase of 0.8% in the first half of the year.
Looking ahead, continued economic expansion, rising local incomes, and a steady increase in inbound visitors are expected to provide support to restaurant businesses. Yet, external uncertainties still constitute downside risks. The Government will continue to closely monitor the potential impacts of external developments on restaurant businesses.
Further information
Table 1 presents the revised figures of restaurant receipts by type of restaurant and total purchases by the restaurants sector for the first quarter of 2026 as well as the provisional figures for the second quarter of 2026.
Table 2 and Table 3 present the revised value and volume indices respectively of restaurant receipts by type of restaurant for the first quarter of 2026 and the provisional indices for the second quarter of 2026.
Table 4 presents the year-on-year rate of change in total restaurant receipts in value and volume terms based on the original quarterly series, as well as the quarter-to-quarter rate of change based on the seasonally adjusted series.
The revised figures on restaurant receipts and purchases for the second quarter of 2026 (with breakdown by month) will be released through the website of theC&SD (www.censtatd.gov.hk/en/scode540.html) and relevant publications of the Department from September 18, 2026.
The classification of restaurants follows the Hong Kong Standard Industrial Classification (HSIC) Version 2.0, which is used in various economic surveys for classifying economic units into different industry classes.
More detailed statistics are given in the "Report on Quarterly Survey of Restaurant Receipts and Purchases". Users can browse and download the publication at the website of the C&SD (www.censtatd.gov.hk/en/EIndexbySubject.html?pcode=B1080002&scode=540).
Users who have enquiries about the survey results may contact the Distribution Services Statistics Section of theC&SD (Tel: 3903 7401; e-mail: qsr@censtatd.gov.hk).
