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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 an 11-month-old girl.
The girl, with good past health, presented with fever and cough on May 17. Her condition deteriorated on May 23 and was admitted to the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit of Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) on May 24.
The clinical diagnosis is pneumonia, septic shock and respiratory failure. She is now in critical condition. Her nasopharyngeal swab tested positive for influenza A by QEH.
She has no recent travel history. Her home contacts have no flu symptoms.
To prevent respiratory tract infection, members of the public are advised to adopt the following measures:
* Build up good body immunity by having a proper diet, regular exercise and adequate rest, reducing stress and avoiding smoking;
* Maintain good personal hygiene, wash hands after sneezing or coughing and cleaning the nose, and wear a mask when having symptoms of respiratory tract infection;
* Maintain good ventilation;
* Avoid visiting crowded places with poor ventilation; and
* Receive seasonal influenza vaccination. For details, please visit the CHP website at www.chp.gov.hk/en/view_content/14843.html .
Ends/Saturday, May 25, 2013
Issued at HKT 16:10
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