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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Healthˇ@seeks to draw public attention to its investigation into a confirmedˇ@case of severe paediatric influenza A infection affecting a 7-year-oldˇ@boy.
The boy, with good past health, presented with diarrhea on April 16ˇ@and fever and sore throat the next day. He was noted to have hoarseness of voice, shortness of breath and was admitted to Queen Mary Hospital (QMH) on April 19. The diagnosis was severe tracheitis. The boy was then transferred to the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit for treatment on the same day.
His current condition is critical.
His nasopharyngeal aspirate taken tested positive for influenza A.
He has no recent travel history. His home contacts have no flu symptoms.
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 through 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/Saturday, April 21, 2012
Issued at HKT 20:57
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