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
Security Bureau holds Huanggang Port community experience day
In anticipation of the upcoming opening of the redeveloped Huanggang Port, the Security Bureau today (October 4) organised a community experience day, inviting members of the public from all districts to visit and tour the Huanggang Port Building Hong Kong Port Area. Participants used the public transport services connecting to the port and facilities inside the port building, and learned about the novel "collaborative inspection and joint clearance" mode as well as the building's architectural design features.
Through the co-ordination of the Home Affairs Department with the District Offices across all 18 districts, more than 1 500 members of the public from various districts participated in the event. Participants travelled from designated pick-up points in their districts to the Huanggang Port Hong Kong Port Area by franchised buses or cross-boundary coach services. They toured the port building in groups guided by officers from the Fire Services Department and the Correctional Services Department.
Participants first arrived at and visited the public transport interchange of the port building to learn about the public transport arrangements. They then toured the port building to learn about its interior design features and experience various passenger-friendly facilities, including the free Government Wi-Fi service. They subsequently took the escalators to the departure hall on the fifth floor, where officers of the Immigration Department introduced the operation of the "collaborative inspection" automated channels, giving participants a better understanding of the novel "collaborative inspection and joint clearance" mode. Officers of Hong Kong Customs then explained the passenger clearance and customs inspection procedures at the arrival hall on the fourth floor.
The Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung, visited the venue and met with participants to learn about their views on the port and experiences of the visit today. He was pleased to note that many participants responded positively and were looking forward to the early opening of the redeveloped Huanggang Port, which would bring a more efficient and convenient clearance experience to the public. Mr Tang also distributed gift packs prepared by the Security Bureau and took photographs with participants.
The community experience day was conducted in a positive and enthusiastic atmosphere, with many participants expressing excitement about the event. The event effectively enhanced participants' understanding of the public transport arrangements, immigration and customs clearance, and passenger-friendly facilities at the port building. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government will continue to work closely with the Shenzhen side to prepare comprehensively for the opening of the port.
The Security Bureau today (October 4) organised a community experience day, inviting members of the public from all districts to visit and tour the Huanggang Port Building Hong Kong Port Area. Photo shows an officer of Hong Kong Customs explaining the passenger clearance and customs inspection procedures at the arrival hall on the fourth floor. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
The Security Bureau today (October 4) organised a community experience day, inviting members of the public from all districts to visit and tour the Huanggang Port Building Hong Kong Port Area. Photo shows an officer of the Immigration Department introducing the operation of the "collaborative inspection" automated channels at the departure hall on the fifth floor, giving participants a better understanding of the novel "collaborative inspection and joint clearance" mode. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
The Security Bureau today (October 4) organised a community experience day, inviting members of the public from all districts to visit and tour the Huanggang Port Building Hong Kong Port Area. Photo shows participants learning about the building's interior design features. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
The Security Bureau today (October 4) organised a community experience day, inviting members of the public from all districts to visit and tour the Huanggang Port Building Hong Kong Port Area. Photo shows participants learning about the building's interior design features. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
The Security Bureau today (October 4) organised a community experience day, inviting members of the public from all districts to visit and tour the Huanggang Port Building Hong Kong Port Area. Photo shows participants arriving at the public transport interchange of the port building and learning about the public transport arrangements. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
The Security Bureau today (October 4) organised a community experience day, inviting members of the public from all districts to visit and tour the Huanggang Port Building Hong Kong Port Area. Photo shows the Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung (first left), chatting with the working staff. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
The Security Bureau today (October 4) organised a community experience day, inviting members of the public from all districts to visit and tour the Huanggang Port Building Hong Kong Port Area. Photo shows the Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung, with participants. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
The Security Bureau today (October 4) organised a community experience day, inviting members of the public from all districts to visit and tour the Huanggang Port Building Hong Kong Port Area. Photo shows the Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung (first left), chatting with the working staff. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
The Security Bureau today (October 4) organised a community experience day, inviting members of the public from all districts to visit and tour the Huanggang Port Building Hong Kong Port Area. Photo shows the Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung (first left), visiting the venue, meeting and taking photographs with participants. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
The Security Bureau today (October 4) organised a community experience day, inviting members of the public from all districts to visit and tour the Huanggang Port Building Hong Kong Port Area. Photo shows the Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung (third left), chatting with participants. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
