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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (July 6) investigating a case of severe paediatric influenza A affecting a girl aged 7.
The patient, with underlying illnesses, has presented with fever, cough, runny nose, confusion and seizure since July 4. She was admitted to Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) on that day and was transferred to the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit today for further management. The clinical diagnosis was pneumonia and she is now in a serious condition.
Her nasopharyngeal swab tested positive for influenza A(H3) virus upon laboratory testing by QEH.
Initial enquiries by the CHP revealed that the patient had no travel history during the incubation period. Her home contacts, who had mild symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection, sought medical advice and are in a stable condition. Investigations are ongoing.
The public should maintain good personal and environmental hygiene against influenza and other respiratory illnesses:
* Receive seasonal influenza vaccination for personal protection;
* Wash hands with liquid soap and water properly whenever possibly contaminated;
* When hands are not visibly soiled, clean them with 70 to 80 per cent alcohol-based handrub;
* Wash or clean hands frequently, especially before touching the mouth, nose or eyes, or after touching public installations such as handrails or door knobs;
* Cover the nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing, and wash hands thoroughly afterwards;
* Dispose of soiled tissue paper properly in a lidded rubbish bin;
* Put on a surgical mask when respiratory symptoms develop;
* Maintain good indoor ventilation;
* When influenza is prevalent, avoid going to crowded or poorly ventilated public places; high-risk individuals may consider putting on surgical masks when staying in such places; and
* Maintain a balanced diet, exercise regularly, take adequate rest, do not smoke and avoid overstress.
The public may visit the CHP's pages below for more information:
* The influenza page (www.chp.gov.hk/en/view_content/14843.html);
* The weekly Flu Express report (www.chp.gov.hk/en/view_content/2108.html);
* The vaccination schemes page (www.chp.gov.hk/en/view_content/17980.html);
* The list of participating doctors (www.chp.gov.hk/en/view_content/34664.html);
* The Facebook Page (www.fb.com/CentreforHealthProtection); and
* The YouTube Channel (www.youtube.com/c/ChpGovHkChannel).
Ends/Monday, July 6, 2015
Issued at HKT 18:35
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