Press Release

Case of severe paediatric influenza A infection under CHP investigation

6 September 2013

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (September 6) investigating a case of severe paediatric influenza A infection affecting a 2-year-old boy.

The patient, with underlying medical condition, presented with fever, cough and runny nose on September 3 and convulsion on September 4. He attended the Accident and Emergency Department of Tuen Mun Hospital on September 4. He was subsequently transferred to the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit for further management on the same day.

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

The patient has no recent travel history and his family contacts are asymptomatic.

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).