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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (February 20) investigating a case of severe paediatric influenza A infection affecting a one-year-old boy.
The patient, with good past health, has presented with fever and vomiting since February 11. He developed convulsion on February 15 and was admitted to Queen Mary Hospital on the same day. As his condition deteriorated, he was subsequently transferred to the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit for further management the next day. The clinical diagnosis was influenza A complicated by encephalopathy. He is now in critical condition.
His respiratory specimens tested positive for influenza A (H1) upon laboratory testing by the Public Health Laboratory Services Branch of the CHP.
Initial enquiries by the CHP revealed that the patient had travelled to Japan from February 3 to 9. His mother had a fever recently and has recovered. Other home contacts have remained asymptomatic. Investigation is 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); and
* The vaccination schemes page (www.chp.gov.hk/en/view_content/17980.html).
Ends/Saturday, February 20, 2016
Issued at HKT 18:22
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