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A spokesman for the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health said that a new report involving a one-year-old girl was received today (August 5) through the paediatric surveillance programme set up by the CHP with private and public hospitals.
The girl developed fever, cough, runny nose and vomiting on August 1. She was admitted to the Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital on August 2. She is now staying in the intensive care unit in critical condition with complication of encephalitis.
The nasopharyngeal aspirate specimen taken from her was tested positive to Influenza A.
The girl was in good health in the past and has no history of travel.
Her mother developed fever on July 30. She consulted a private doctor and has recovered. Other family members did not have any similar symptoms.
The Paediatric Surveillance Programme was set up in March 2008.
A total of 19 cases reported under the programme were related to influenza (13 cases in 2008 and 6 cases in 2009 so far).
Among them, 11 cases were tested positive for Influenza A and eight cases for Influenza B.
The spokesman reminded members of the public to stay alert by taking precautionary measures against influenza.
They are advised to maintain good personal as well as environmental hygiene and build up good body immunity by having a proper diet, regular exercise, and adequate rest, reducing stress and avoiding smoking.
More details of preventive tips on influenza are available on CHP's website (www.chp.gov.hk).
Ends/Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Issued at HKT 19:47
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