CHP records three more cases of severe paediatric influenza infection
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (September 5) recorded three cases of severe paediatric influenza infection, all of whom have good past health. 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. In addition, the public should maintain good personal and environmental hygiene at all times to prevent influenza and other respiratory illnesses.
The first case involves a six-year-old girl. She developed a fever, runny nose and cough since September 3, and was brought to the Accident and Emergency Department of Ruttonjee Hospital. She later developed generalised convulsion and was transferred to the paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) of Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital for treatment. Her respiratory specimen tested positive for influenza A virus. Her clinical diagnosis was influenza A infection complicated with encephalopathy. The patient is in critical condition.
The second case involves a three-year-old girl. She developed a fever on September 2 and was taken to a private hospital without the need for hospitalisation. On the following day, she developed generalised convulsion and was taken to the Accident and Emergency Department of Queen Elizabeth Hospital, and admitted to the hospital's PICU. Her respiratory specimen tested positive for influenza A virus upon laboratory testing. Her clinical diagnosis was influenza A infection complicated with septic shock. The patient is in serious condition.
The third case involves a 15-year-old boy. He developed a fever, runny nose and malaise on September 3. He was taken to a private clinic that same day. Due to persistent symptoms, he was brought to a private hospital the following day and was admitted for treatment. He was subsequently transferred to the intensive care unit for treatment due to low blood pressure. His respiratory specimen tested positive for influenza B virus upon laboratory testing. His clinical diagnosis was influenza B complicated by septic shock. The boy was transferred today to the PICU at Queen Mary Hospital for further treatment. He is currently in serious condition.
Preliminary investigation by the CHP revealed that none of the three children had travel history during their incubation periods, and their household contacts have remained asymptomatic recently. Two classmates of the six-year-old girl have developed mild influenza symptoms recently without the need for hospitalisation. The CHP has advised the school to take appropriate infection control measures.
"Hong Kong entered the influenza season in late June. The latest surveillance data showed that influenza activity increased further last week and remains at a high level. Since the end of June, a cumulative total of 16 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, three are in serious condition, two are in critical condition and one has passed away. The overall number of severe influenza cases among children is comparable to that of previous flu seasons. However, owing to widespread influenza transmission in the community in recent months and the substantial 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's COVID-19 & Flu Express, Seasonal Influenza Webpage and Vaccination Schemes for the latest information.
The Centre for Health Protection, Photo source: reference image
