Press Release

Case of severe paediatric influenza B infection under CHP investigation

29 September 2014

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (September 29) investigating a case of severe paediatric influenza B infection affecting a 3-year-old boy.

The patient, with underlying illness, presented with fever and runny rose since September 19 and was admitted to Queen Elizabeth Hospital on September 24. He developed drowsiness after admission and was transferred to the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit on the following day. His clinical diagnosis was encephalitis. He was discharged today in stable condition.

His nasopharyngeal swab tested positive for influenza B virus upon laboratory testing by the CHP's Public Health Laboratory Services Branch.

Initial enquiries by the CHP revealed that the patient had no recent travel history. His father and elder sister had upper respiratory tract infection symptoms recently and had sought medical attention. They are now in stable condition.

To prevent respiratory tract infections, a spokesman for the CHP urged members of the public to take heed of the following advice:

• Build up good body immunity by having a proper diet, regular exercise and adequate rest, reducing stress and avoiding smoking;
• Maintain good personal hygiene, wash hands after sneezing or coughing and cleaning the nose, and wear a mask when symptoms of respiratory tract infection develop;
• Maintain good ventilation;
• Avoid visiting crowded places with poor ventilation; and
• Receive seasonal influenza vaccination. For details, please visit the Influenza Page of the CHP's website (This link will open in a new windowwww.chp.gov.hk/en/view_content/14843.html).