CHP records case of severe paediatric influenza infection
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (September 14) recorded a severe paediatric influenza infection case. The CHP urged the public to receive vaccinations as early as possible after the Seasonal Influenza Vaccination (SIV) Programmes commence this Thursday (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 case involves a 17-year-old boy with good past health. He developed a fever, cough, chills, headache, myalgia and malaise on September 11. The following day (September 12), he was brought to the Accident and Emergency Department of Queen Elizabeth Hospital and was admitted to the intensive care unit of the hospital for treatment. His respiratory specimen tested positive for influenza A virus. His clinical diagnosis was influenza A infection complicated with septic shock. The patient remains hospitalised, but his condition has stabilised after treatment.
The CHP's preliminary investigation revealed that the boy had no travel history during the incubation period. His household contact is currently asymptomatic. The CHP will continue to investigate the case.
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 20 cases of severe paediatric influenza infection have been recorded. Among these cases, 11 patients have recovered and been discharged from hospital, four patients are in stable condition, two are in serious condition, two are in critical condition and one has passed away. Due to widespread influenza transmission in the community in recent months, there has been a significant increase in both the number of infections and severe cases. With the start of the new school year and an increase in group activities, the CHP anticipates that influenza activity will remain at a high level in the coming weeks while influenza outbreaks in schools are expected to increase. Therefore, schools and parents must remain vigilant and take preventive measures.
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. The CHP has 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. Currently, approximately 80 schools have scheduled to organise SIV outreach activities in September, a significant increase compared to the same period last year. SIV outreach activities are expected to be completed by mid-December, about two weeks earlier than last year. The CHP appeals 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.
The CHP reminds 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
