Severe Pediatric Influenza A Case Reported; Vaccination Urged Ahead of Upcoming Flu Season in Hong Kong

CHP records case of severe paediatric influenza A infection

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (September 4) recorded a severe paediatric influenza A infection case. The CHP urged the public to receive vaccinations as early as possible after the Seasonal Influenza Vaccination (SIV) Programmes commence on September 17 to safeguard their own health and that of their families.

The case involves a 14-year-old girl with underlying illnesses. She developed a fever, runny nose and cough since September 2, and attended the Accident and Emergency Department of United Christian Hospital. She was admitted for treatment and her condition deteriorated on the next day (September 3). She was transferred to the paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) of the hospital. Her respiratory specimen tested positive for influenza A (H1) virus. Her clinical diagnosis was influenza A infection complicated with severe pneumonia and septic shock. The patient remains hospitalised with serious condition.

The CHP's preliminary investigation revealed that the girl had no travel history during the incubation period. Two of her household contacts, who recently developed upper respiratory symptoms, also tested positive for influenza A virus. Their conditions were mild and no hospitalisation was required.

"Since Hong Kong entered the influenza season in late June, a total of 13 cases of severe paediatric influenza infection have been recorded. Among these cases, eight patients have recovered and been discharged from hospital, two patients are in stable condition, one is in serious condition, one is in critical condition and one has passed away. According to the latest surveillance data, influenza activity remains high. Owing to widespread influenza transmission in the community in recent months and the rise in infections, the number of severe cases has increased accordingly. We anticipate that influenza activity will remain at a high level during the initial period of the new school year, with possible influenza outbreaks in schools. Therefore, schools and parents must remain vigilant and take preventive measures," said the Controller of the CHP, Dr Edwin Tsui.

"The 2026/27 SIV Programmes, including the SIV School Outreach Programme (SIVSOP), will commence on September 17. The SIVSOP this year will introduce a new Electronic Consent Form (e-consent form) feature via eHealth. 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. This new measure not only facilitates the public to join the SIV Programmes but also streamlines the administrative procedures for healthcare service providers and schools, so that SIV outreach activities can start as early as possible. Around 80 schools have scheduled to organise SIV outreach activities in September so far, which is 16 times that of the same period last year. I appeal to all schools and parents in Hong Kong to work closely with the CHP and complete the consent process as soon as possible, so that students can be arranged to receive SIV 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'sCOVID-19 & Flu Express,Seasonal Influenza WebpageandVaccination Schemesfor the latest information.

Source: AI-found images

CFS urges public not to consume three batches of French cheese suspected to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes

The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department today (September 4) urged the public not to consume three batches of cheese originating from France due to possible contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. The trade should stop using or selling the affected products immediately if they possess any of them.

Details of the products are as follows:

Product name (1): Brie 3kg 50%

Brand: Paturages Comtois

Place of origin: France

Net weight: 3 kilograms

Lot number: 00000BPBY1

Use-by date: October 1, 2026

Importer: Noja Fine Trade Limited

Hotline: 2178 2229

Product name (2): Brie 60% 1kg Grand Export

Brand: Paturages Comtois

Place of origin: France

Net weight: 1 kilogram

Lot number: 00000BXCG1

Use-by date: October 10, 2026

Importer: Maxly Food Company Limited

Hotline: 2552 7128

Product name (3): Pointe De Brie 180g

Brand: Paturages Comtois

Place of origin: France

Net weight: 180 grams

Lot number: 000000BXCG

Use-by date: August 30, 2026

Importer: King Rise (Asia) Limited

Hotline: 2492 2677

"The CFS received a notification from the Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed of the European Commission that the above-mentioned products were possibly contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. A preliminary investigation found that the above-mentioned importers had imported into Hong Kong the affected batches of the products concerned," a spokesman for the CFS said.

The importers concerned have stopped sales and removed from shelves the affected batches of the products, and have initiated recalls according to the CFS's instructions. Members of the public may call the respective hotlines during office hours for enquiries.

"Listeria monocytogenes can be easily destroyed by cooking but can survive and multiply at refrigerator temperature. Most healthy individuals do not develop symptoms or only have mild symptoms such as fever, muscle pain, headache, nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea when infected. However, severe complications such as septicaemia, meningitis or even death may occur in newborns, the elderly and those with a weaker immune system. Although infected pregnant women may just experience mild symptoms generally, the infection of Listeria monocytogenes may cause miscarriage, infant death, preterm birth, or severe infection in newborns," the spokesman added.

"In order to reduce the risk of listeriosis, susceptible populations such as pregnant women should consume freshly prepared hot food where possible, reheat chilled food until it is hot all the way through, and avoid high-risk foods, including ready-to-eat food such as cold cuts, cold smoked seafood, soft cheeses, salads, etc, or cook them thoroughly before consumption, even if they are presented as part of a dish."

The spokesman advised members of the public to stop consuming the affected products and seek medical treatment if they feel unwell after consuming the products concerned.

The CFS will alert the trade to the incidents, and will continue to follow up and take appropriate actions. The investigations are ongoing.

Source: AI-found images