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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (March 12) investigating a case of severe paediatric influenza B infection affecting a 1-year-old girl.
The patient, with good past health, developed fever, cough with sputum and runny nose since March 2. She was admitted to United Christian Hospital (UCH) on March 5 and was transferred to the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit on March 8. Her clinical diagnosis was pneumonia. She is currently in serious condition.
Her respiratory specimen tested positive for influenza B virus upon laboratory testing by UCH.
Initial enquiries by the CHP revealed that the patient had no recent travel history. Her elder sister presented with cough recently and had sought medical consultation. She is now in stable condition.
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/Wednesday, March 12, 2014
Issued at HKT 19:28
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