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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is drawing public attention to its investigation into a confirmed case of severe paediatric influenza B infection affecting a 5-year-old girl.
The girl, with chronic illness, lives in Kwai Tsing. She presented with fever and convulsion on February 14. She was admitted to the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit of Princess Margaret Hospital on the same day.
The clinical diagnosis was pneumonia. Her current condition is stable.
Nasopharyngeal aspirate taken from the patient tested positive for influenza B.
She has no recent travel history. Her home contacts do not have symptoms of influenza-like illness.
A spokesman reminded members of the public to stay vigilant and take precautionary measures against influenza.
They are advised to maintain good personal and environmental hygiene and build up good body immunity by having a proper diet and regular exercise, taking adequate rest, reducing stress and avoiding smoking.
More details on prevention of influenza are available on the CHP's website (www.chp.gov.hk).
Ends/Thursday, February 16, 2012
Issued at HKT 18:10
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