Press Release

CHP investigates case of severe paediatric influenza A infection

14 May 2016

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (May 14) investigating a case of severe paediatric influenza A 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 seven-year-old boy, with good past health, has presented with fever and slurring of speech since yesterday (May 13). He was admitted to Tuen Mun Hospital (TMH) today and subsequently developed loss of consciousness and convulsion.

His nasopharyngeal swab tested positive for influenza A antigen upon testing by TMH. The clinical diagnosis is encephalitis. He is now in stable condition.

Initial enquiries revealed that the patient had no travel history during the incubation period. One of his home contacts recently suffered from upper respiratory tract infection symptoms and was stable all along. His other home contacts remained asymptomatic.

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 (This link will open in a new windowwww.chp.gov.hk/en/view_content/14843.html);
• The weekly Flu Express report (This link will open in a new windowwww.chp.gov.hk/en/view_content/2108.html); and
• The vaccination schemes page (This link will open in a new windowwww.chp.gov.hk/en/view_content/17980.html).