Gene sequencing shows no novel influenza virus

14 Mar 2008

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (March 14) completed gene sequencing results on an influenza virus found in a deceased seven-year-old boy in Tuen Mun Hospital.

A CHP spokesman said: "Gene sequencing results available today confirmed that the H1N1 virus found in this boy has the same genetic makeup as the circulating H1N1 (Brisbane) strain in Hong Kong."

"Earlier, gene sequencing results on the three-year-old girl who died in TMH found that H3N2 virus in the girl has same genetic composition as the circulating H3N2 (Brisbane) strain."

"Both strains have been circulating in different parts of the world during the past few months."

"These results confirm that the two children did not die from a new virus that is more virulent than the circulating strains in the region," the spokesman said.

Meanwhile, the CHP followed up on 11 new reports of influenza-like illness (ILI) outbreaks affecting nine secondary schools, one child care centre and one elderly home involving 43 people.

He said that ILI may be caused by influenza or other respiratory viruses. CHP's officials have provided health advice to the staff of all these institutions.

A total of five reports have been received through the influenza surveillance arrangement set up by the CHP with private and public hospitals since March 13 (yesterday). Of them, three cases (which were announced yesterday) had laboratory evidence of influenza infection. The eight-year-old girl has been discharged and the remaining two cases (a three-year-old boy admitted to Princess Margaret Hospital on March 11 and a seven-year-old girl admitted to Tuen Mun Hospital on March 11) remain in stable condition.

Meanwhile, the telephone hotline (2125-1133) set up by CHP to answer public enquiries on seasonal influenza has so far received 161 calls. It will continue to operate between 9 am and 6 pm from Monday to Friday.

More details of the institutional outbreaks, preventive tips and the daily update of influenza situation are now available in CHP's website (http://www.chp.gov.hk).