Severe Pediatric Influenza Case Recorded; CHP Urges Early Vaccination and Hygiene Measures

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'sCOVID-19 & Flu Express,Seasonal Influenza WebpageandVaccination Schemesfor the latest information.

Source: AI-found images

CHP investigates confirmed Mpox case

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) said today (September 14) that it is investigating a confirmed Mpox (also known as Monkeypox) case, and strongly urged high-risk target groups to receive Mpox vaccinations. Meanwhile, the public is advised to be vigilant and avoid close physical contact with individuals suspected of contracting Mpox.

The case involves a 31-year-old male who developed general malaise, and rash on his palms, soles and genital area on September 9. He sought medical attention at a social hygiene service clinic (SocHS) under the DH on the next day (September 10) and has been arranged by the CHP to receive isolation treatment at Princess Margaret Hospital. Upon laboratory testing by the CHP's Public Health Laboratory Services Branch, his clinical specimen tested positive for the monkeypox virus. The patient is currently in stable condition.

According to information provided by the patient, he had high-risk exposures with male strangers both overseas and in Hong Kong during the incubation period. No epidemiological linkages between this case and confirmed Mpox cases earlier recorded in Hong Kong have been identified so far. The CHP is continuing an epidemiological investigation of the case, and will endeavour to contact individuals who had high-risk contact with the patient and report the case to the World Health Organization.

Since 2022, Hong Kong has recorded a total of 104 Mpox cases (82 local cases and 22 imported cases), including the above-mentioned case. All patients were males. Since this August, the number of Mpox cases in Hong Kong has seen an increase. As at today, 20 cases have been recorded this year, including 15 local cases and five imported cases. Among them, 11 are new cases reported since August. Epidemiological investigations showed that among the 11 recently identified cases, all patients self-identified as men who have sex with men or bisexual men. No epidemiological links were found between the cases. All patients reported engaging in high-risk sexual behaviour during the incubation period, including having sex with strangers or having sex without a condom. The CHP has sent a letter to doctors in Hong Kong, reminding them to be vigilant for Mpox cases and to provide relevant recommendations regarding Mpox vaccination to high-risk individuals.

The Mpox vaccine can prevent infection and severe disease. The DH provides Mpox vaccination services for high-risk groups. The following high-risk target groups are eligible for Mpox vaccinations on a voluntary basis:

1. individuals with high-risk sexual practices, e.g. having multiple sexual partners, sex workers, or having a history of sexually transmitted infection within the past 12 months;
2. healthcare workers responsible for caring for patients with confirmed Mpox;
3. laboratory personnel handling zoonotic pox viruses; and
4. animal care personnel with high risk of exposure in case of Mpox occurrences in animals in Hong Kong.

High-risk target groups can receive Mpox walk-in vaccinations at any of the DH's SocHS (namely Chai Wan SocHS, Wan Chai Male SocHS, Wan Chai Female SocHS, Yau Ma Tei Male SocHS, Yau Ma Tei Female SocHS, Yung Fung Shee SocHS, Fanling SocHS and Tuen Mun SocHS) and the DH's Yau Ma Tei Integrated Treatment Centre, without prior appointments.

Meanwhile, the DH's Kowloon Bay Integrated Treatment Centre and the Hospital Authority's Special Medical Clinics at Queen Elizabeth Hospital and Princess Margaret Hospital also provide Mpox vaccination services for their clients.

Mpox is not transmitted through respiratory droplets or aerosols in general, and transmission would not occur through social contact. The CHP reminds the public, especially those at higher risks of exposure, to take precautions and avoid close physical contact with persons or animals suspected of being infected. They should seek medical attention as soon as possible if they experience relevant symptoms, including rash, fever, chills, swollen lymph nodes, exhaustion, muscle pain, and severe headaches. They should not engage in activities with others that may involve contact with skin rash or body fluids.

For more details, please visit the CHP's webpages onMpoxandMpox Vaccination Programme.

Source: AI-found images