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Press Release

Case of severe paediatric influenza A infection under CHP investigation

24 February 2015

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (February 24) investigating a case of severe paediatric influenza A infection affecting a 9-month-old baby boy.

The patient, with good past health, has presented with fever, cough, runny nose and shortness of breath since February 21. He was admitted to Prince of Wales Hospital (PWH) on February 23 and was subsequently transferred to the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit for further management on the same day. The clinical diagnosis was sepsis. He is currently in a critical condition.

His nasopharyngeal aspirate tested positive for influenza A upon laboratory testing by PWH.

Initial enquiries by the CHP revealed that the patient had no travel history during the incubation period. Four of his home contacts had recent influenza-like illness symptoms and all have recovered. Other home contacts remain asymptomatic.

Investigation is ongoing.

The public should maintain good personal and environmental hygiene against influenza and other respiratory illnesses:

  • Receive seasonal influenza vaccination for personal protection;
  • Wash hands with liquid soap and water properly whenever possibly contaminated;
  • When hands are not visibly soiled, clean them with 70 to 80 per cent alcohol-based handrub;
  • Wash or clean hands frequently, especially before touching the mouth, nose or eyes, or after touching public installations such as handrails or door knobs;
  • Cover the nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing, and wash hands thoroughly afterwards;
  • Dispose of soiled tissue paper properly in a lidded rubbish bin;
  • Put on a surgical mask when respiratory symptoms develop;
  • Maintain good indoor ventilation;
  • When influenza is prevalent, avoid going to crowded or poorly ventilated public places; high-risk individuals may consider putting on surgical masks when staying in such places; and
  • Maintain a balanced diet, exercise regularly, take adequate rest, do not smoke and avoid overstress.

The public may visit the CHP's pages below for more information:

24 Feb 2015