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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (January 25) investigating a case of severe paediatric influenza A infection affecting a girl aged 14.
The patient, with good past health, has presented with fever, cough, myalgia, vomiting and diarrhoea since January 14. She was admitted to Tuen Mun Hospital on January 19 and transferred to Queen Mary Hospital for further management on January 21.
Her clinical diagnosis was acute myocarditis.
Her nasopharyngeal aspirate tested positive for influenza A(H1) virus upon laboratory testing by the CHP's Public Health Laboratory Services Branch. She is currently in critical condition.
She has no recent travel history. Her grandfather had presented with upper respiratory symptoms and has recovered. Other home contacts have remained 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/Saturday, January 25, 2014
Issued at HKT 18:05
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