Press Release

Case of severe paediatric influenza A infection under CHP investigation

5 July 2014

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (July 5) investigating a case of severe paediatric influenza A infection affecting a 7-year-old boy.

The patient, with good past health, has presented with fever and vomiting since June 26. He had received medical attention from private doctors for three times and was admitted to Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) on July 4. He was transferred to the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit for further management on the same day.

His clinical diagnosis was meningoencephalitis and he is now in critical condition.

His nasopharyngeal swab tested positive for influenza A upon preliminary laboratory testing by QEH.

Initial enquiries by the CHP revealed that the patient had no recent travel history. His home contacts have remained asymptomatic so far. Investigations are under way.

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 ).