CHP records case of severe paediatric influenza A infection

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (September 4) recorded a severe paediatric influenza A infection case. The CHP urged the public to receive vaccinations as early as possible after the Seasonal Influenza Vaccination (SIV) Programmes commence on September 17 to safeguard their own health and that of their families. The case involves a 14-year-old girl with underlying illnesses. She developed a fever, runny nose and cough since September 2, and attended the Accident and Emergency Department of United Christian Hospital. She was admitted for treatment and her condition deteriorated on the next day (September 3). She was transferred to the paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) of the hospital. Her respiratory specimen tested positive for influenza A (H1) virus. Her clinical diagnosis was influenza A infection complicated with severe pneumonia and septic shock. The patient remains hospitalised with serious condition. The CHP's preliminary investigation revealed that the girl had no travel history during the incubation period. Two of her household contacts, who recently developed upper respiratory symptoms, also tested positive for influenza A virus