CHP investigates case of severe paediatric influenza A infection

    The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (June 20) investigating a case of severe paediatric influenza A infection, and reminded members of the public who have not yet received seasonal influenza vaccination in the 2018-19 season that they can still receive it for personal protection against seasonal influenza.
 
     The case involves a 14-year-old girl with good past health, who has presented with fever and sore throat since June 15. She was taken to the Accident and Emergency Department at Caritas Medical Centre for medical attention on June 17 and was admitted on the same day. She was subsequently transferred to the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit of Princess Margaret Hospital for further management today.
 
     Her respiratory specimen tested positive for influenza A virus upon laboratory testing. The clinical diagnosis was influenza A infection complicated with shock. She is now in a critical condition.
 
     Initial enquiries revealed that the patient had not received seasonal influenza vaccination for the current season and had no travel history during the incubation period. Her home contacts have remained asymptomatic so far.
 
     The CHP's investigations are ongoing.
 
     "The latest surveillance data showed that the local seasonal influenza activity in the past few weeks was higher than that in early May. Members of the public aged 6 months or above (except those with known contraindications) who have not yet received seasonal influenza vaccination in the 2018-19 season can still receive it for personal protection against seasonal influenza," a spokesman for the CHP said.
 
     "Meanwhile, the public should continue to adopt strict personal, hand and environmental hygiene practices against respiratory illnesses and other infectious diseases," the spokesman added.
 
     The public may visit the CHP's influenza page and weekly Flu Express for more information.