Severe Paediatric Influenza A Case in Hong Kong: CHP Urges Public Vigilance

CHP records another case of severe paediatric influenza A infection

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (August 12) recorded another 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 17-month-old girl with good past health. She developed a fever and cough on August 9 and was taken to a private clinic on the following day (August 10). Later that same day, her condition deteriorated and she developed shortness of breath. She was taken to the Accident and Emergency Department of Queen Elizabeth Hospital. Due to her respiratory distress and low blood pressure, she was admitted to the hospital's paediatric intensive care unit. Her respiratory specimen tested positive for influenza A virus. Her clinical diagnosis was influenza A infection complicated with severe pneumonia and septic shock. She remains hospitalised in critical condition.

The CHP's preliminary investigation revealed that the girl had not received the seasonal influenza vaccination during the previous season (2025/26). Her household contacts remain asymptomatic. The CHP will continue to investigate the case.

"Since Hong Kong entered the influenza season in late June, a cumulative total of nine cases of severe paediatric influenza infection have been recorded. Apart from one fatal case, three patients have recovered and been discharged, one remains in stable condition, two are in serious condition, and two are in critical condition (including the case mentioned above). Surveillance data shows thatthe level of influenza activity is currently on the rise, with a high level of influenza transmission in the community. As the number of infections is expected to rise, the number of severe cases will subsequently increase. In general, the situation in the current influenza season is comparable to that of previous influenza seasons, and the disease primarily affects the elderly and children. The predominant influenza viruses detected in Hong Kong are influenza A (H1) and influenza A (H3). The Public Health Laboratory Services Branch under the CHP has conducted viral genetic analyses of influenza cases, and confirmed that the predominant influenza virus strains are similar to those circulating in other regions of the world, with no significant genetic mutations detected so far. These strains would not cause a more severe illness or resistance to antiviral drugs," said the Controller of the CHP, Dr Edwin Tsui.

"The World Health Organization has earlier 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 (SIV) Programmes and is actively preparing various vaccination arrangements. The 2026/27 Seasonal Influenza Vaccination School Outreach Programme (SIVSOP) will introduce a new Electronic Consent Form (e-consent form) feature. Starting from today, we will distribute school-specific QR codes to participating schools for distribution to parents. The QR codes will become effective on August 17. By then, parents can start filling out the e-consent forms for their children. I urge all schools and parents in Hong Kong to work closely with the CHP to actively participate in next season's SIVSOP and use the e-consent forms to complete the consent process as soon as possible. In that case, schools can plan and organise SIV school outreach activities earlier," 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 should seek medical attention as soon as possible if they develop respiratory symptoms. If they live with members of high-risk groups, such as children, the elderly and those with underlying illnesses or compromised immune systems, they should wear a surgical mask at home 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.

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

Employers, contractors and employees should be aware of electrical safety at work during rainstorms

As the rainstorm warning has been issued by the Hong Kong Observatory, the Labour Department (LD) reminds employers and contractors that they should adopt necessary work arrangements and take suitable safety measures to protect the safety of their employees when they are carrying out electrical work or handling electrical plant.

A spokesman for the LD said today (November 14) that employers and contractors should avoid assigning employees to carry out electrical work (such as electric arc welding work) or handle electrical plant at places affected by rainstorms, and should refer to the "Code of Practice in Times of Adverse Weather and 'Extreme Conditions'" and the "Guide on Safety at Work in times of Inclement Weather" issued by the LD.

Even if electrical work is carried out or electrical plant is handled at places not affected by a rainstorm, suitable safety measures must still be adopted to prevent an electric shock as the air would be more humid. Such measures include:

(i) Ensure that all live parts of an electrical installation are isolated from the power supply source and rendered dead, and the isolation from the power supply source must be maintained as long as electrical work is being carried out;

(ii) Before carrying out any electrical work or handling any electrical plant, cut off and lock out the power supply source, then test the circuit concerned to confirm that it is dead and display suitable warning notices, and issue a work permit thereafter;

(iii) Ensure that protective devices (such as suitable and adequate fuses and circuit breakers) for the electrical installations or electrical plant have been installed and maintained in good working order, and portable electric tools must be double-insulated or properly earthed;

(iv) Provide suitable personal protective equipment such as insulating gloves and insulating mats for employees; and

(v) If live electrical work is unavoidable, a comprehensive risk assessment should be conducted by a competent person and the appropriate safety precautions should be taken to remove or properly control the electrical hazards involved before such work can proceed.

In addition, employees should co-operate with the employer or contractor to follow the safety instructions and use the safety equipment provided.

The LD has published guidebooks and leaflets on electrical work safety. These safety publications are available free from divisional offices of the department or can be downloaded from its website (www.labour.gov.hk/eng/public/content2_8.htm).

Should there be any questions about occupational safety and health matters, please contact the Occupational Safety Officer of the LD at 2559 2297.

Source: AI-found images