Press Release

Case of severe paediatric influenza A infection under CHP investigation

26 June 2015

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (June 26) investigating a case of severe paediatric influenza A infection affecting a 15-year-old boy.

The patient, with underlying illnesses, has presented with fever, cough and runny nose since June 16 when he was admitted to Kwong Wah Hospital. He was subsequently transferred to the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit for further management on June 19. The patient was transferred back to a general ward on June 23 and is currently in a stable condition.

His nasopharyngeal aspirate tested positive for influenza A (H3) upon preliminary testing by the CHP's Public Health Laboratory Services Branch.

Initial enquiries by the CHP revealed that the patient had no travel history during the incubation period.

The patient resides in a school with a boarding section in Southern District where no influenza-like illness outbreak has been detected.

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:

• The influenza page ( www.chp.gov.hk/en/view_content/14843.html );
• The weekly Flu Express report ( www.chp.gov.hk/en/view_content/2108.html );
• The update on severe seasonal influenza cases ( www.chp.gov.hk/files/pdf/flu_update_en.pdf );
• The vaccination schemes page ( www.chp.gov.hk/en/view_content/17980.html );
• The list of participating doctors ( www.chp.gov.hk/en/view_content/34664.html );
• The Facebook Page ( www.fb.com/CentreforHealthProtection ); and
• The YouTube Channel ( www.youtube.com/c/ChpGovHkChannel ).