CHP records case of severe paediatric influenza infection
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (October 19) 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 six-year-old girl with good past health. She developed a fever, runny nose, vomiting and poor appetite on October 15. She was then brought to the Accident and Emergency Department of Tuen Mun Hospital for medical attention and was admitted for treatment. Her condition deteriorated and was transferred to the paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) of the hospital for further treatment on October 17. Her respiratory specimen tested positive for influenza A (H1) virus. Her clinical diagnosis was influenza A infection complicated with shock. 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). Her household contacts are currently asymptomatic. The CHP will continue to investigate the case.
"Hong Kong entered the influenza season in late June this year and the influenza season has lasted for more than three months by now. Currently, the local influenza activity remains at a high level. The predominant influenza virus detected at present is influenza A (H1). The CHP's epidemiological investigation indicated that the characteristics of severe or death cases related to seasonal influenza during this influenza season are similar to those in previous years, affecting primarily the elderly and children. Since the start of the influenza season in late June, a cumulative total of 24 cases of severe paediatric influenza infection have been recorded. Among these cases, 20 patients have recovered and been discharged from hospital, three patients 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. Since the new school year started in September, nearly 440 influenza-like illness outbreaks have been recorded in schools, affecting a total of approximately 2 700 persons. Schools and parents must remain vigilant and take preventive measures. The CHP anticipates that the influenza activity will continue to fluctuate at high levels in the coming weeks," said the Controller of the CHP, Dr Edwin Tsui.
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. About 840 schools have organised SIV outreach activities. SIV outreach activities are expected to be completed by mid-December, about two weeks earlier than last year.
Dr Tsui 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.
Dr Tsui 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
STL signs MOU on establishing "brother port" relationship between Hong Kong and Shanghai at North Bund Forum
The Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Ms Mable Chan, attended the 2026 North Bund Forum in Shanghai today (October 20) and signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on establishing a "brother port" relationship between Hong Kong and Shanghai at the forum.
The 2026 North Bund Forum is themed "Common Challenge, Shared Mission - Promoting the Resilient Development of Global Shipping & Aviation". Ms Chan attended the opening ceremony and the international shipping forum to exchange views with other participants on global maritime developments and enhancing collaboration.
During the release of major achievements at the opening ceremony, Ms Chan and the Director of the Shanghai Municipal Transportation Commission, Mr Xiao Hui, witnessed by Deputy Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Mr Zhang Yong and Vice-Mayor of the Shanghai Municipal People's Government Mr He Qing, signed the MOU on Strategic Cooperation between Hong Kong and Shanghai on Further Promoting High-Quality Collaborative Maritime Development, marking the official establishment of a "brother port" strategic partnership between Hong Kong and Shanghai. The two cities will strengthen collaboration in smart port and maritime development, promote the co-ordinated development of container liners' operations and supporting sectors, advance the development of green and low-carbon port and shipping, foster the synergised development of high-end maritime services, promote the co-ordinated development of the intermodal logistics sector, strengthen the cultural and industry exchanges of maritime sector, and enhance the nurturing of and exchanges among maritime professionals.
Ms Chan said, "Both Hong Kong's First Five-Year Plan and the 2026 Policy Address released last month placed significant emphasis on maritime development, including the expansion of our partner port network and to promote the establishment of a 'brother port' relationship with Shanghai within this year. I am pleased to welcome the good news a month later today, which will further deepen our collaboration with Mainland ports.
"Building a 'brother port' strategic partnership collaboration platform between Hong Kong and Shanghai will help Hong Kong expand its network of co-operation with Mainland ports, jointly enhancing the global competitiveness and influence of the country's two major international shipping centres. Hong Kong and Shanghai will work hand in hand to promote the co-ordinated developments of the shipping sector, leveraging the two sides' unique advantages in the global shipping network to further boost port competitiveness and impetus for growth."
Ms Chan also announced that the Transport and Logistics Bureau (TLB), at an exchange session on shipping co-operation between Shanghai and Hong Kong to be held on the second day of the forum tomorrow (October 21), will witness the official launch of the Shanghai-Hong Kong Express by a shipping company. She noted that she is pleased to see the launch of the demonstration project of co-ordinated development between the shipping industries and ports of the two places, which is a concrete outcome of co-operation under the newly established "brother port" relationship between the two sides. While deepening co-operation with the "brother port", the Government is also striving to broaden Hong Kong's "circle of friends" in the international maritime community. The TLB is actively working towards announcing the second batch of partner ports during Hong Kong Maritime Week, an annual flagship event to be held next month, to further strengthen exchanges and co-operation between Hong Kong and strategically significant ports both domestically and abroad.
In the afternoon, Ms Chan visited a leading local port enterprise to learn about its operations and the latest developments in smart ports and green shipping. Ms Chan met with representatives of the enterprise, which operates the port with the largest container throughput worldwide, to exchange views on strengthening ties and co-operation between Shanghai and Hong Kong in areas such as promoting port services, with a view to jointly advancing the development of the national maritime and port industry.
Ms Chan concluded her visit and departed for Hong Kong in the evening.
STL signs MOU on establishing "brother port" relationship between Hong Kong and Shanghai at North Bund Forum Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
STL signs MOU on establishing "brother port" relationship between Hong Kong and Shanghai at North Bund Forum Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
STL signs MOU on establishing "brother port" relationship between Hong Kong and Shanghai at North Bund Forum Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
STL signs MOU on establishing "brother port" relationship between Hong Kong and Shanghai at North Bund Forum Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
STL signs MOU on establishing "brother port" relationship between Hong Kong and Shanghai at North Bund Forum Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
STL signs MOU on establishing "brother port" relationship between Hong Kong and Shanghai at North Bund Forum Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
