Press Release

CHP investigates case of severe paediatric influenza B infection

23 April 2016

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (April 23) investigating a case of severe paediatric influenza B infection, and again urged the public, particularly young children, to get vaccinated promptly and observe strict hand, personal and environmental hygiene amid the winter influenza season. Children, the elderly and those with chronic diseases should promptly seek medical advice if influenza-like symptoms develop.

The 13-year-old girl, with underlying illnesses, has presented with fever and cough since April 16 and developed seizure on April 19. She was admitted to Caritas Medical Centre on April 20 and was transferred to the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit of Princess Margaret Hospital on April 21 for further management. She is now in a serious condition.

Her throat swab tested positive for the influenza B virus by the CHP's Public Health Laboratory Services Branch. Her clinical diagnosis was influenza B complicated with encephalopathy and myocarditis.

The CHP's initial enquiries revealed that the patient had no recent travel history. Two home contacts recently suffered from mild cough and they have been in a stable condition all along. Other home contacts remained asymptomatic. Investigations are 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 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 ); and
• The vaccination schemes page ( www.chp.gov.hk/en/view_content/17980.html ).