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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (February 4) investigating a case of severe paediatric influenza A affecting a 1-month-old boy.
The patient, with good past health, was brought to the Accident and Emergency Department of Yan Chai Hospital on February 2 for fever and convulsion. He was then transferred to the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit of Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH) for further management on the same day. The clinical diagnosis was encephalopathy.
His nasopharyngeal aspirate tested positive for influenza A(H1) virus upon preliminary laboratory testing by PMH. He is currently in critical condition.
Initial enquiries by the CHP revealed that the patient had no recent travel history. His elder brother who presented with upper respiratory symptoms has recovered and 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/Tuesday, February 4, 2014
Issued at HKT 18:10
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