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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (January 13) investigating a case of severe paediatric influenza A infection complicated by invasive pneumococcal disease affecting a 5-year-old boy.
The patient, with good past health, presented with fever and cough since January 5 and shortness of breath since January 9. He was seen by three private doctors on January 5, 9 and 11 respectively. On January 11, the patient was referred to the Accident and Emergency Department of United Christian Hospital where significant respiratory distress was noted. He was subsequently admitted to the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit on the same day. He has been transferred to Queen Mary Hospital for further management.
His clinical diagnosis was pneumonia, and he is currently in critical condition. His nasopharyngeal aspirate tested positive for Influenza A(H1) while his blood culture tested positive for Streptococcus pneumoniae.
Preliminary investigation by the CHP revealed that the boy had been immunised with 7-valent Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine. The patient has no recent travel history. His mother developed upper respiratory symptoms since January 5 and had recovered. His other home contacts have remained asymptomatic so far.
The CHP's investigation is under way.
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/Monday, January 13, 2014
Issued at HKT 19:00
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