Press Release

Case of severe paediatric influenza B infection under CHP investigation

16 May 2013

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (May 16) investigating a case of severe paediatric influenza B infection with encephalitis affecting an eight-year-old boy.

The patient, with good past health, presented with fever and running nose since May 11 and consulted a private doctor on the same day. He later developed malaise, vomiting, confusion, visual hallucination and decreased general condition on May 13 and was subsequently admitted to the paediatric ward of Princess Margaret Hospital. His current condition is stable.

The clinical diagnosis was encephalitis. His nasopharyngeal aspirate tested positive for seasonal influenza B.

Initial enquiries by the CHP revealed that the boy had no recent travel history. His home contacts did not have symptoms of influenza-like illness.

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( www.chp.gov.hk/en/view_content/14843.html )