CHP records case of severe paediatric influenza infection
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (October 3) recorded a severe paediatric influenza infection case. The CHP urged the public to receive vaccinations as early as possible 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 nine-year-old girl with underlying illnesses. She developed a fever on September 30. On October 1, she developed a cough and vomiting, and was taken to a private clinic. On the same day, she was referred to the Accident and Emergency Department of Queen Elizabeth Hospital, where she was admitted to the paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) of the hospital for treatment. Her respiratory specimen tested positive for influenza B virus. Her clinical diagnosis was influenza B infection complicated with septic shock and severe pneumonia. The patient remains hospitalised at the PICU in critical condition.
The CHP's preliminary investigation revealed that the patient had no travel history during the incubation period, and has not received the 2026/27 Seasonal Influenza Vaccination (SIV). The investigation also revealed that two of her household contacts had developed mild fever and upper respiratory symptoms recently, but both have now recovered. 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 remains at a high level. Since the end of June, a cumulative total of 21 cases of severe paediatric influenza infection have been recorded. Among these cases, 16 patients have recovered and been discharged from hospital, two patients are in stable 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), commenced on September 17. The SIVSOP this year has introduced a new Electronic Consent Form (e-consent form) feature via eHealth. 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. Approximately 100 schools have organised SIV outreach activities, 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
CCIDA and FDC lead industries to participate in Busan International Film Festival and Asian Contents & Film Market in Korea to showcase Hong Kong's new creative momentum
The Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA) under the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau and the Hong Kong Film Development Council (FDC) led Hong Kong's film and creative industriesto participate in the 31st Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) and the Asian Contents & Film Market (ACFM) in Korea, promoting the unique appeal and new momentum of Hong Kong's creative industries to the international market, fostering cultural exchanges and expanding diverse global business opportunities.
Sponsored by CCIDA and co-organised by the BIFF and the Asian Film Awards Academy, the "Hong Kong Night" networking reception was held on October 9 (Busan time) and brought together over 750 representatives from the global creative and film communities. The occasion enabled emerging Hong Kong filmmakers and original content intellectual property (IP) rights holders to forge stronger connections with their international counterparts. Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Cultural and Creative Industries, Miss Drew Lai remarked that CCIDA is dedicated to boosting film productions and grooming talents for various segments of the film industry through various funding schemes under the Film Development Fund (FDF), in addition, CCIDA will set up a dedicated Support Unit for Non-local Film Productions, offering seamless facilitation for overseas crews filming in Hong Kong.
Local filmmakers and their works supported by the FDF also shone at this year's festival. The film "Dead End", a winning project of the Higher Education Institution Group of the 7th First Feature Film Initiative, was selected for the "Vision - Asia" competition section and held its world premiere on October 10 (Busan time). The screening drew over 200 attendees. Director Isabella Lam, alongside actors Maggie Shiu, Hedwig Tam and Lokman Yeung, attended the premiere and engaged with audiences during the post-screening interactive session, receiving an enthusiastic response that reflected the international appeal of Hong Kong films.
Throughout the BIFF, CCIDA representatives also met with various cultural and creative institutions and film festival organisers, including Korea Manhwa Contents Agency, Korean Film Council and Busan Asian Film School, to explore future collaboration and development opportunities.
On the business development front, CCIDA, the FDC and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council set up the Hong Kong Pavilion, building a platform for co-operation to facilitate exchanges among creative talents and explore collaboration opportunities. This year, CCIDA, for the first time, sponsored emerging local original content IP rights holders to participate in the ACFM's "Busan Story Market" to promote IP transactions, financing and cross-sector content development. Sponsored projects included the comic "Disposable Dolly" and animations –– "Tai Lung Fung – Full Throttle Kitchen", "Cirkillation" and "Blacky The Metal Arm Cat". In addition, CCIDA also sponsored the participation of four Hong Kong producers, Trevor Choi, Lau Kok-rui, Kelvin Shum and Whitney Yiu, in the ACFM's "Producer Hub". Emerging filmmaker So Chak-long, whose project was selected for the ACFM's "Asian Project Market", was also sponsored to take part in project pitching activities.
CCIDA will continue to support the development of Hong Kong's film and creative industries and, as outlined in the Chief Executive's 2026 Policy Address, conduct a comprehensive review of the FDF with a view to attracting more private investment and ensuring the sustainable development of the industry.
The Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency under the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau and the Hong Kong Film Development Council led the industry delegation to participate in the 31st Busan International Film Festival and and the Asian Contents & Film Market (ACFM) and sponsored Hong Kong producers to participate in ACFM's "Producer Hub". Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
The Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA) under the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau and the Hong Kong Film Development Council led Hong Kong's film and creative industries to participate in the 31st Busan International Film Festival and the Asian Contents & Film Market (ACFM) in Korea. CCIDA sponsored emerging local original content IP rights holders to participate in ACFM's "Busan Story Market" to promote IP transactions, financing and cross-sector content development. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
The Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency under the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau and the Hong Kong Film Development Council led the industry delegation to participate in the 31st Busan International Film Festival and and the Asian Contents & Film Market and set up the Hong Kong Pavilion, where business meetings were held with industry counterparts around the world. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
The Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency under the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau and the Hong Kong Film Development Council led the industry delegation to participate in the 31st Busan International Film Festival and and the Asian Contents & Film Market, during which the film “Dead End”, funded by the Film Development Fund, held its world premiere at the BIFF on October 10 (Busan time). Photo shows the director and actors of the film in the post-screening interactive session. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
The Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency under the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau and the Hong Kong Film Development Council led Hong Kong's film and creative industries to participate in the 31st Busan International Film Festival and and the Asian Contents & Film Market in Korea. Photo shows the Commissioner for Cultural and Creative Industries, Miss Drew Lai (front row, fifth right) and representatives of Hong Kong's film and creative sectors attending the "Hong Kong Night" networking reception. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
The film "Dead End", a winning project of the Higher Education Institution Group of the 7th First Feature Film Initiative supported by the Film Development Fund was selected for the "Vision - Asia" competition section and held its world premiere on October 10 (Busan time). Photo shows representatives of the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency and the Hong Kong Film Development Council, director and actors of the related film. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
The Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency under the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau and the Hong Kong Film Development Council led Hong Kong's film and creative industries to participate in the 31st Busan International Film Festival and the Asian Contents & Film Market in Korea. Photo shows the Commissioner for Cultural and Creative Industries, Miss Drew Lai, speaking at the "Hong Kong Night" networking reception on October 9 (Busan time). Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
