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
