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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:

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



Last Revision Date : 24 Feb 2015