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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 A infection affecting a two-year-old boy.
The boy, with good past health, presented with fever since January 20. He then developed diarrhea, vomiting and convulsion on the following day. He was admitted to the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit of Kwong Wah Hospital (KWH) on January 21.
The clinical diagnosis is encephalopathy. He is now in stable condition.
His nasopharyngeal aspirate tested positive for influenza A by KWH.
The boy has no recent travel history. His family's foreign domestic helper developed upper respiratory symptoms recently.
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/Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Issued at HKT 22:25
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