Investigation Launched into Severe Paediatric Influenza A Infection in Hong Kong

2026-08-09 18:30 Last Updated At：08-10 12:19

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.

Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival Celebrates 40 Years of Cultural Heritage in New York City

New York ETO promotes Hong Kong's vibrant culture at dragon boat festival

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in New York (New York ETO) continues to support the 36th Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival in New York (HKDBF-NY), a role it has held since founding the festival in 1990.

This year's festival marks the 40th anniversary of Hong Kong's gift of teak wood dragon boats to citiesacross North America, including New York City, introducing this centuries-old Chinese tradition to the continent. This legacy takes centre stage this weekend with a special invitational race to commemorate the anniversary, alongside a display of the traditional teak wood dragon boats for visitors throughout the weekend.

At the festival opening ceremony on August 8 (New York time), the Director of the New York ETO, Ms Maisie Ho, reflected on this legacy and how the HKDBF-NY, one of New York City's largest multicultural festivals, has brought people together for 36 years, proving that sport has a unique power to connect and unite people.

Ms Ho said the festival is a celebration of heritage, resilience and teamwork, noting that the vigour, determination and camaraderie shown by the competing athletes reflect the same qualities that define Hong Kong – a cosmopolitan and vibrant gateway city that connects business, talent and ideas, while remaining firmly rooted in its cultural heritage.

Ms Ho added that the festival is a testament to the enduring friendship between Hong Kong and New York and the United States, fostering mutual understanding and strengthening cultural and people-to-people ties. "Our office remains committed to building on this relationship in the years ahead," she said.

This weekend's festivities also coincide with a milestone moment for dragon boating worldwide, as the International Dragon Boat Federation (IDBF) recently relocated its global headquarters back to Hong Kong in July, marking a homecoming to the birthplace of the modern dragon boat movement. The IDBF's World Dragon Boat Racing Championships will also return to Hong Kong next year for the first time since 1997. Ms Ho noted that this development was a vote of confidence in Hong Kong as a world-class hub for international sport.

Ahead of the race weekend, Ms Ho and representatives of the festival's major sponsors gathered in Hudson Yards on July 15 for the traditional "awakening" ceremony, dotting the eyes of the dragons in a ritual believed to bring good fortune to the racers. Then on August 7, the festival's organising committee took the celebration to Wall Street, ringing the closing bell at the New York Stock Exchange, a nod to the festival's place in New York's cultural and sporting calendar.

Over the two-day festival, more than 170 teams and over 1 800 paddlers battled for the podium in front of a strong crowd. Beyond the races, the New York ETO had a festival booth to promote Hong Kong to visitors. Visitors all enjoyed delectable Hong Kong street food, vibrant cultural and musical performances, alongside martial arts and arts and crafts demonstrations throughout the festival grounds.

Investigation Launched into Severe Paediatric Influenza A Infection in Hong Kong

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Investigation Launched into Severe Paediatric Influenza A Infection in Hong Kong

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