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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (January 7) investigating a case of severe paediatric influenza A infection affecting a 50-day-old baby boy.
The patient, who has an underlying medical condition, presented with fever and cough since January 1 and was admitted to Caritas Medical Centre on January 2. He was transferred to the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit of Kwong Wah Hospital for further management on January 3.
His clinical diagnosis was shock and he is currently in critical condition. His nasopharyngeal aspirate tested positive for influenza A(H1).
The patient has no recent travel history. His home contacts are asymptomatic.
To prevent respiratory tract infections, a spokesman for the CHP urged members of the public to take heed of the following advice:
* 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 symptoms of respiratory tract infection develop;
* Maintain good ventilation;
* Avoid visiting crowded places with poor ventilation; and
* Receive seasonal influenza vaccination. For details, please visit the Influenza Page of the CHP's website (www.chp.gov.hk/en/view_content/14843.html).
Ends/Tuesday, January 7, 2014
Issued at HKT 18:36
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