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'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
DGCA attends Asia-Pacific aviation heads conference in Malaysia
The Director-General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Ms Clara Wong, led a Civil Aviation Department (CAD) delegation to attend the 61st Conference of Directors General of Civil Aviation, Asia and Pacific Regions, organised by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
With the theme of "Smart Skies: Emerging Technologies for Safe, Secure, Sustainable and Efficient Aviation", the Conference was attended by over 210 participants from 40 member states, administrations and international organisations. Aviation authorities and industry organisations discussed a wide range of subjects, including aviation safety and security, air navigation, environment, innovations, and regional co-operation.
CAD submitted two papers. One highlighted CAD's collaborative approach in managing safe and orderly air traffic and airport operations under severe weather. The other shared Hong Kong, China's experience in an expeditious recovery from an aircraft accident under challenging conditions in collaboration with relevant stakeholders. Both papers received positive feedback and strong support.
Separately, Ms Wong, in her capacity as Vice-Chair of the ICAO Regional Aviation Safety Group - Asia Pacific Regions (RASG-APAC), presented the key outcomes of the 15th Meeting of RASG-APAC, which plays a crucial role in supporting a regional performance framework for the management of aviation safety. She elaborated on the significant progress made by the Group in advancing the Regional Aviation Safety Plan and strengthening co-ordination with the Asia Pacific Air Navigation Planning and Implementation Regional Group, and reaffirmed the collective commitment to continuous safety improvement.
Ms Wong also met with leaders from various aviation authorities and industry organisations to exchange views on matters of mutual interest, including low-altitude economy development. Marking CAD's 80th anniversary this year, she briefed fellow members on the remarkable development of Hong Kong civil aviation over the past 80 years, and highlighted that CAD will continue to embrace innovation and new technologies, leveraging Hong Kong's distinctive advantage of strong support of the motherland and global connectivity to pioneer continued development and growth of the aviation industry.
Ms Wong also signed the Programme Document to extend the Asia-Pacific Flight Procedure Programme into Phase VI (2027-2029) with nine fellow leaders of civil aviation authorities in the region, together with the ICAO Secretary General. The Programme is instrumental in promoting collaborative connectivity for air traffic across the region, achieving seamless operations. The signing underscored CAD's commitment to deepening regional collaboration, expanding connectivity and consolidating Hong Kong's status as an international aviation hub, in support of safe, efficient and sustainable aviation development in the region.
Ms Wong will return to Hong Kong today (September 10).
The 61st Conference of Directors General of Civil Aviation, Asia and Pacific Regions was held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from September 7 to 11. Photo shows the Director-General of Civil Aviation of Hong Kong, Ms Clara Wong (first left), in her capacity as Vice-Chair of the International Civil Aviation Organization Regional Aviation Safety Group - Asia and Pacific Regions (RASG-APAC), presenting the key outcomes of the 15th Meeting of RASG‑APAC. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
The 61st Conference of Directors General of Civil Aviation, Asia and Pacific Regions was held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from September 7 to 11. Photo shows the Director-General of Civil Aviation of Hong Kong, Ms Clara Wong (front row, centre), briefing fellow members of the International Civil Aviation Organization on the remarkable development of Hong Kong civil aviation in the past 80 years. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
The 61st Conference of Directors General of Civil Aviation, Asia and Pacific Regions was held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from September 7 to 11. The Director-General of Civil Aviation of Hong Kong, Ms Clara Wong (sixth right), joined fellow leaders of civil aviation authorities in the region, together with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Secretary General, in signing the ICAO Asia-Pacific Flight Procedure Programme Document for Phase VI (2027 - 2029). Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
The 61st Conference of Directors General of Civil Aviation, Asia and Pacific Regions was held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from September 7 to 11. The Director-General of Civil Aviation of Hong Kong, Ms Clara Wong (second right), led a delegation to attend the Conference. Ms Wong is pictured with Deputy Administrator of the Civil Aviation Administration of China, Ms Liang Nan (second left) and the President of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Macao Special Administrative Region, Mr Stanley Pun (first right), at the conference. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
