DH investigates case of severe paediatric influenza A infection
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (August 9) 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 5-year-old girl with underlying illnesses. She developed a fever, cough with sputum, chills, rigors, and shortness of breath on August 7. She was taken to the Accident and Emergency Department of Tuen Mun Hospital yesterday (August 8) and was admitted to the paediatric intensive care unit for treatment. Her respiratory specimen tested positive for influenza A (H1) virus. Her clinical diagnosis was influenza A infection complicated with sepsis. She remains hospitalised and is in serious condition.
The CHP's preliminary investigation revealed that the girl had received the 2025/26 seasonal influenza vaccination. She had no travel history during the incubation period. Her household contacts remain asymptomatic.The CHP will continue to investigate the case.
"Hong Kong entered the influenza season in late June. The latest surveillance data showed that the influenza activity is at a high level currently. The percentage of respiratory specimens testing positive for seasonal influenza viruses was 9.94 per cent and the influenza admission rate in public hospitals was 0.73 cases per 10 000 population last week. The predominant influenza viruses detected were influenza A (H3) and influenza A (H1) (45 per cent each), the rest were influenza B (10 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 2026/27 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 has completed the procurement process for the 2026/27 Seasonal Influenza Vaccination Programmes and is actively preparing various vaccination arrangements. 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'sCOVID-19 & Flu Express,Seasonal Influenza WebpageandCOVID-19 Vaccination Programme Webpage, for the latest information.
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