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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (July 13) investigating a case of severe paediatric influenza A infection affecting a 13-year-old girl.
The patient, with underlying medical illnesses, has presented with fever, cough and sputum since July 10. She was admitted to Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH) on the same day and subsequently transferred to the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit of PMH on July 11 for further management.
Her clinical diagnosis was pneumonia and shock, and she is now in critical condition.
Her nasopharyngeal aspirate tested positive for influenza A upon preliminary laboratory testing by PMH.
Initial enquiries by the CHP revealed that the patient had no recent travel history. Her home contacts have remained asymptomatic so far. Investigations are 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/Sunday, July 13, 2014
Issued at HKT 17:25
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