Child previously reported as severe case of paediatric influenza infection passes away
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) announced that a 14-month-old girl infected with influenza A passed away earlier today (November 13). The CHP announced the case as a severe case of influenza A infection on October 29.
This is the third fatal case of paediatric influenza infection in Hong Kong this year. Hong Kong entered the influenza season in late June this year, and the influenza season has lasted for more than four months by now. The latest surveillance data showed that the overall influenza activity has declined but remains above baseline levels. A cumulative total of 29 cases of severe paediatric influenza infection have been recorded in the current influenza season. Among these cases, 22 patients have recovered and been discharged from hospital, two are in stable condition, two are in critical condition, and three have passed away. The Controller of the CHP, Dr Edwin Tsui, reminded members of the public that Hong Kong is still in the midst of the influenza season. Although overall influenza activity has shown a downward trend over the past few weeks, it remains above baseline levels. Data from the previous year revealed that the rate of severe complications or death among unvaccinated children following influenza infection was approximately five times higher than that among vaccinated children. The CHP urged all individuals aged six months or older, except those with known contraindications, to promptly receive the seasonal influenza vaccination (SIV) if they have not yet done so.
This year's SIV Programmes have been underway for about two months. Currently, there is an adequate supply of vaccines in both the public and private healthcare sectors, providing free or subsidised SIV to eligible individuals. To facilitate members of the public in receiving SIV, eligible persons may receive SIV at about 270 public service points, including around 110 designated clinics under the DH located in various districts across the territory (including all 29 Maternal and Child Health Centres (MCHCs) for all children aged 6 months to under 2 years); 76 Family Medicine Clinics and 38 public hospitals under the Hospital Authority; and 45 District Health Centres, District Health Centre Expresses and their service points under the Primary Healthcare Commission. For the list of vaccination venues, please refer to the CHP's SIV Programmes webpage. Parents/guardians of eligible children may also book a vaccination appointment for their children at designated MCHCs via the online booking system.
Furthermore, over 1 900 private doctors currently participate in the Vaccination Subsidy Scheme (VSS), providing services at over 3 200 service points across all districts in Hong Kong. For the list of VSS doctors, please visit apps.hcv.gov.hk/public/en/SPS/Search.
Dr Tsui reminded members of the public to maintain strict personal and environmental hygiene. High-risk individuals, such as children, the elderly, and those with underlying illnesses or persons who are immunocompromised, should wear a surgical mask when using public transport or staying in crowded places. 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.
Source: AI-found images
Hong Kong Maritime Week marks 10th anniversary milestone: Trusted Resilience Powering Global Maritime Trade
Hong Kong Maritime Week (HKMW) 2026, a flagship annual maritime event anticipated worldwide, will be held for seven consecutive days from Sunday (November 15) to November 21, expected to attract over 18 000 policymakers, leaders of major international shipping organisations, business decision-makers, experts and industry elites from around the globe, including high-ranking government officials from Belt and Road countries. Through a series of exciting online and offline events, participants will explore the latest development opportunities in the global maritime industry and promote Hong Kong's advantages as a preferred destination for maritime business. The Transport and Logistics Bureau (TLB) will also announce several important maritime-related deliverables.
A spokesperson for the TLB said, "The National 15th Five-Year Plan Outline indicates clear support for Hong Kong in consolidating and enhancing its dual-hub status as an international maritime centre and an international aviation hub. Announced by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government in September this year, Hong Kong's First Five-Year Plan proactively aligns with the strategic direction of the National 15th Five-Year Plan, setting out the HKSAR Government's targets in areas such as maritime and aviation over the next five years. First held in 2016, HKMW has evolved over the years into a premier international event for the maritime, port and logistics sectors. We will announce the new batch of partner ports, and will sign a number of maritime-related memoranda of understanding at this significant 10th-anniversary milestone."
This year's HKMW is co-ordinated by the HKSAR Government, organised by the Hong Kong Maritime and Port Development Board (HKMPDB), and co-organised by the Hong Kong Shipowners Association and the Hong Kong Maritime Museum (HKMM), with the Hong Kong Trade Development Council and Invest Hong Kong as partners. Featuring a rich and diverse programme, over 60 events are jointly hosted by more than 80 local, Chinese Mainland and overseas maritime organisations, covering flagship forums, high-level seminars, industry exhibitions and business networking. Key highlights during the period include: the Opening Ceremony of HKMW 2026 and World Maritime Merchants Forum to be held next Monday (November 16), the Asian Logistics, Maritime and Aviation Conference 2026 to be held next Monday to Tuesday (November 16 to 17), and the 2nd HKMPDB Flagship Summit to be held next Tuesday (November 17). Other signature events include the 3rd International Chamber of Shipping Hong Kong Global Maritime Trade Summit, and the International Bunker Industry Association Hong Kong Forum on Alternative Marine Fuels. Furthermore, the Baltic and International Maritime Council will participate in HKMW for the first time, collaborating with the International Organization for Mediation to host a thematic seminar on contractual developments for green shipping.
To heighten public awareness of Hong Kong's thriving maritime development, the TLB has partnered with Television Broadcasts Limited (TVB) to produce a 10-episode promotional drama series titled "Navigating to the Future". The series will be broadcast from November 16 to 27, every Monday to Friday, across three TVB channels (including Channels 81, 82 and 83). Through dramatic elements, the series vividly introduces the realities of maritime careers as well as industry innovations and dynamics, showcasing the Government's efforts to enhance the long-term competitiveness of Hong Kong's maritime industry through policy initiatives and collaboration with the trade.
A rich array of community and youth engagement programmes will also be rolled out, headlined by the "Project Art Container" exhibition organised by the HKMPDB in partnership with the HKMM and supported by Orient Overseas Container Line Limited and Modern Terminals Limited, offering fresh perspectives on how the industry is connected with the city's development and everyday life. Winning artworks from the "One Container One Story" drawing competition under the theme "Hong Kong Sailing to the World" have been turned into 20-foot art container installations, which will be showcased at the HKMM Jockey Club Anchor Plaza between November 15 and 25 before setting sail across international shipping routes. To highlight the festivities, a maritime-themed carnival will take place on November 21 and 22. Together with other youth and family-friendly activities, HKMW 2026 brings the vibrancy of the maritime sector holistically to the wider community.
For the event schedule, public activity programme details and online registration for HKMW, please visit the HKMW website (www.hkmw.hk) and the HKMPDB website (www.hkmpdb.gov.hk).
Source: AI-found images
