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CHP investigates two cases of severe paediatric influenza A and appeals for prompt vaccination
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     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (February 16) investigating two cases of severe paediatric influenza A, and again urged the public, particularly young children, to get vaccinated promptly and observe strict hand, personal and environmental hygiene amid the winter influenza season. Children, the elderly and those with chronic diseases should promptly seek medical advice if influenza-like symptoms develop.

     The first case affects a female patient, aged 3 with underlying illnesses, who has developed fever, cough and runny nose since February 12. She attended Tseung Kwan O Hospital (TKOH) and was admitted for management on February 13. She then developed gastrointestinal bleeding and shock on February 14 and was transferred to Queen Elizabeth Hospital for further management. As her condition deteriorated with pneumonia and convulsion upon admission, she was transferred to the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) on the same day.

     Her nasopharyngeal swab (NPS) tested positive for influenza A viral antigen upon laboratory testing by TKOH. The clinical diagnosis was influenza A complicated by pneumonia and encephalopathy. She is now in serious condition.

     Initial enquiries revealed that the patient had no travel history during the incubation period. Her parents recently developed upper respiratory symptoms and have been stable all along while the other home contact remained asymptomatic.

     The other patient is a boy, aged 8 with good past health, who developed fever, cough and runny nose on February 6. He was admitted to a private hospital on February 11 and was then transferred to the PICU of Kwong Wah Hospital for further management on the same day. He was transferred to the general ward yesterday (February 15).

     His NPS tested positive for influenza A(H1) virus upon testing by the private hospital. The clinical diagnosis was pneumonia and he is now in stable condition.

     The boy had no recent travel history. His parents with recent influenza-like symptoms have sought medical attention and are in stable condition.

     To date, in 2016, six cases have been detected under the routine surveillance of severe paediatric influenza-associated complications or deaths of children aged below 18, comprising three cases of influenza A pending subtype, two influenza A(H1) cases and one influenza B case. In 2015, 25 cases (including one death) were reported, comprising 23 influenza A(H3N2) cases and two influenza B cases.

     "Epidemiological investigations show that all the above six cases have no history of influenza vaccination in the current season. Influenza vaccine is safe and effective. We appeal to parents for prompt vaccination for their children upon consultation with their family doctors for better personal protection in the influenza season," a spokesman for the CHP said.

     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); and
* The vaccination schemes page (www.chp.gov.hk/en/view_content/17980.html).

Ends/Tuesday, February 16, 2016
Issued at HKT 18:00

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