Press Release

Case of severe paediatric influenza A infection under CHP investigation

23 January 2015

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (January 23) investigating a case of severe paediatric influenza A infection affecting a 2-year-old boy.

The patient, with good past health, has presented with fever and cough since January 19. He was brought to a private hospital on January 20 and transferred to Prince of Wales Hospital (PWH) for further treatment on January 21. His condition deteriorated and was subsequently transferred to the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit of PWH on the same day. He is currently in critical condition.

His nasopharyngeal swab tested positive for influenza A (H3) virus upon laboratory testing by the private hospital.

Initial investigation revealed that he had no travel history during incubation period. His mother had cough for few weeks and his father also developed cough since January 22. Both sought medical attention on January 22 and did not require hospitalisation. They are in stable condition. Other home contact remained asymptomatic.

Investigation is ongoing.

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;
• When influenza is prevalent, avoid going to crowded or poorly ventilated public places; high-risk individuals may consider to put on surgical masks when staying in these places; 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 ).