Press Release

Case of severe paediatric influenza A infection under CHP investigation

12 April 2014

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (April 12) investigating a case of severe paediatric influenza A infection affecting an eight-month-old girl.

The patient, with good past health, developed fever, cough, runny nose and shortness of breath since April 6. She was admitted to Tuen Mun Hospital (TMH) on April 11 and was subsequently transferred to the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit. Her clinical diagnosis was pneumonia. She is currently in stable condition.

Her respiratory specimen tested positive for influenza A(H3) virus upon laboratory testing by TMH.

Initial enquiries by the CHP revealed that the patient had no recent travel history. Her mother had recent influenza-like symptoms and subsequently sought medical consultation. She is currently in stable condition. Other home contacts are asymptomatic so far.

To prevent respiratory tract infections, a spokesman for the CHP urged members of the public to take heed of the following advice:

• Build up good body immunity by having a proper diet, regular exercise and adequate rest, reducing stress and avoiding smoking;
• Maintain good personal hygiene, wash hands after sneezing or coughing and cleaning the nose, and wear a mask when symptoms of respiratory tract infection develop;
• Maintain good ventilation;
• Avoid visiting crowded places with poor ventilation; and
• Receive seasonal influenza vaccination. For details, please visit the Influenza Page of the CHP's website ( www.chp.gov.hk/en/view_content/14843.html ).