29 September 2014
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (September 29) investigating a case of severe paediatric influenza B infection affecting a 3-year-old boy.
The patient, with underlying illness, presented with fever and runny rose since September 19 and was admitted to Queen Elizabeth Hospital on September 24. He developed drowsiness after admission and was transferred to the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit on the following day. His clinical diagnosis was encephalitis. He was discharged today in stable condition.
His nasopharyngeal swab tested positive for influenza B virus upon laboratory testing by the CHP's Public Health Laboratory Services Branch.
Initial enquiries by the CHP revealed that the patient had no recent travel history. His father and elder sister had upper respiratory tract infection symptoms recently and had sought medical attention. They are now in stable condition.
To prevent respiratory tract infections, a spokesman for the CHP urged members of the public to take heed of the following advice: