The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (July 16) investigating a case of severe paediatric influenza A infection, and reminded members of the public who have not yet received a seasonal influenza vaccination in the 2018-19 season that they can still receive it for personal protection against seasonal influenza.
The case involves an 11-year-old boy with an underlying illness, who has presented with a fever, cough and shortness of breath since July 14. He was taken to the Accident and Emergency Department at Kwong Wah Hospital for medical attention yesterday (July 15) and was admitted on the same day. He was subsequently transferred to the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit of the hospital for further management today.
His respiratory specimen tested positive for influenza A virus upon laboratory testing. The clinical diagnosis was influenza A infection complicated with severe pneumonia. He is now in serious condition.
Initial enquiries revealed that the patient had received a 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.
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