17 May 2016
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (May 17) 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 male patient, aged 8 with good past health, has developed fever, cough, sore throat and runny nose since May 9. He was admitted to Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) for management on May 11 and the diagnosis was pneumonia. His nasopharyngeal swab (NPS) collected upon admission tested negative for influenza antigen by QEH. His fever later subsided and he was discharged on May 12.
The boy developed fever again on May 13 and was admitted to QEH yesterday (May 16). He was subsequently transferred to the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit for further management on the same day. His NPS taken upon admission tested positive for influenza B antigen by QEH. The clinical diagnoses were pneumonia and pleural effusion and he is now in serious condition.
Initial enquiries revealed that the patient had no recent travel history. His home contact has remained asymptomatic.
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: