Press Release

Case of severe paediatric influenza A infection under CHP investigation

11 October 2013

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (October 11) investigating a case of severe paediatric influenza A infection affecting an 18-month-old boy.

The patient, with good past health, presented with fever, cough, dyspnoea and poor feeding since October 2 and medical consultation was sought from a private doctor on the same day. He was admitted to United Christian Hospital (UCH) on October 7 and was subsequently transferred to the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit for further management the next day.

His clinical diagnosis was pneumonia and he is currently in a stable condition. His nasopharyngeal aspirate tested positive for Influenza A.

The patient has no recent travel history. His mother and sister developed upper respiratory symptoms on September 30 and had recovered.

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 ).