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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) and the Hospital Authority (HA) are investigating a case in which a seven-year-old boy presented with respiratory and neurological symptoms and is now in critical condition in Tuen Mun Hospital (TMH).
The boy developed fever and headache on February 24 and consulted the Accident and Emergency Department of TMH on March 6. He did not show symptoms of meningitis or encephalitis (inflammation of the brain). He developed confusion on March 8 and was admitted to TMH on the same day.
Preliminary tests on two respiratory samples from the boy yielded negative result to influenza. Further tests are proceeding to find out the cause of his illness.
An outbreak of influenza-like illness (ILI) in the school attended by the boy was reported to the CHP on March 4. A total of 28 students, 17 boys and 11 girls aged from six to 12, developed ILI symptoms including fever, cough, and sore throat between February 26 and March 7.
CHP staff has visited and provided health advice to the school. The situation of the school is under close watch.
Further investigations by CHP and HA are continuing.
Ends/Monday, March 10, 2008
Issued at HKT 20:27
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