Severe Influenza A Infection Case Reported in Hong Kong; Public Urged to Maintain Hygiene Practices.

CHP records case of severe paediatric influenza A infection

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (August 21) recorded 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 an 11-year-old boy with underlying illnesses. He developed a fever and cough since August 16, followed by shortness of breath the next day. He attended the Accident and Emergency Department of Kwong Wah Hospital (KWH) and was admitted for treatment. His respiratory specimen tested positive for influenza A (H3) virus. His clinical diagnosis was influenza A infection complicated with severe pneumonia and myocarditis. The patient remains hospitalised in the paediatric intensive care unit at KWH and is in serious condition.

The CHP's preliminary investigation revealed that the boy had no travel history during the incubation period. One of his household contacts, who was recently hospitalised for fever and upper respiratory symptoms, also tested positive for influenza A (H3) virus. This household contact has recovered and been discharged. The CHP will continue to investigate the case.

"Since Hong Kong entered the influenza season in late June, a total of 11 cases of severe paediatric influenza infection have been recorded. Among these cases, six patients have recovered and been discharged from hospital, one patient is in stable condition, one is in serious condition (the aforementioned case), two are in critical condition and one has passed away. We anticipate that activity levels for influenzawill remain at a relatively high level in the coming weeks. Owing to continued influenza transmission in the community, the number of infections will rise, and the number of severe cases will increase accordingly. 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), followed by 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 evidence of causing a more severe illness or resistance to antiviral drugs so far," said the Controller of the CHP, Dr Edwin Tsui.

"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. We have distributed school-specific QR codes to participating schools for distribution to parents. The QR codes have become effective. Parents are encouraged to fill out the e-consent forms for their children as soon as possible. I appeal to all schools and parents in Hong Kong to work closely with the CHP to actively participate in the coming season's SIVSOP and use the e-consent forms to complete the consent process as soon as possible, so that schools can plan and organise SIV school outreach activities earlier," he added.

Dr Tsui 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 Webpagefor the latest information.

Source: AI-found images

Incoming passenger convicted and jailed for importing duty-not-paid cigarettes and alternative smoking products

An incoming male passenger was sentenced to ten months' imprisonment and fined $2,000 at the West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts today (August 21) for importing duty-not-paid cigarettes, failing to declare them to Customs officers, as well as importing alternative smoking products, in contravention of the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance (DCO) and the Import and Export Ordinance (IEO).

Customs officers intercepted a 60-year-old incoming Mainland male passenger at Hong Kong International Airport yesterday (August 20) and seized 30 500 duty-not-paid cigarettes and 25 000 alternative smoking products, with an estimated market value of about $212,000 and a duty potential of about $101,000 from his personal baggage. The passenger was subsequently arrested.

Customs welcomes the sentence. The custodial sentence has imposed a considerable deterrent effect and reflects the seriousness of the offences.

Customs reminds members of the public that under the DCO, cigarettes are dutiable goods to which the DCO applies. Any person who deals with, possesses, sells or buys duty-not-paid cigarettes commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.

Under the IEO, any person who imports an alternative smoking product into Hong Kong commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.

Members of the public may report any suspected illicit cigarette activities to Customs' 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).

Incoming passenger convicted and jailed for importing duty-not-paid cigarettes and alternative smoking products Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases