21 February 2015
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (February 21) reported the latest surveillance data of the winter influenza season, and again urged the public to heighten vigilance and get vaccinated early against seasonal influenza.
Regarding severe cases, from noon yesterday (February 20) to noon today, 2 additional cases of influenza-associated admission to intensive care units or death (including 1 death) among adults aged 18 or above have been recorded under the enhanced surveillance in collaboration with public and private hospitals reactivated since January 2 and an additional death was recorded among previously reported cases, bringing the total to 341 (245 deaths) so far. Among them, 329 were A(H3N2), 4 were A pending subtype and 8 were B. In the last winter season in early 2014, 266 (133 deaths) were filed.
Meanwhile, no additional cases of severe paediatric influenza-associated complication or death among children aged under 18 have been reported since yesterday via the ongoing reporting system and the total this year hence remains at 16 (1 death). Among them, 15 were A(H3N2) and 1 was A pending subtype. In 2014, 27 (4 deaths) were filed.
The public should maintain good personal and environmental hygiene against influenza and other respiratory illnesses:
The public may visit the CHP's pages below for more information: