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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (March 29) investigating a case of severe paediatric influenza B infection affecting a 5-year-old girl.
The patient, with good past health, developed fever and convulsion since March 26. She was admitted to Tuen Mun Hospital on March 27 and was subsequently transferred to the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit on the same day. Her clinical diagnosis was influenza complicated with encephalitis. She is currently in critical condition.
Her respiratory specimen tested positive for influenza B virus upon laboratory testing by the CHP's Public Health Laboratory Services Branch.
Initial enquiries by the CHP revealed that the patient had no recent travel history and her home contacts have remained asymptomatic so far.
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, March 29, 2014
Issued at HKT 15:03
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