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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (March 21) investigating two cases of severe paediatric influenza infection, 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 involves a 23-month-old boy with good past health who has developed fever, cough, runny nose and decreased appetite since March 15. He was admitted to Caritas Medical Centre on March 17 and was subsequently transferred to the Special Care Unit for further management. He is now in a stable condition.
His nasopharyngeal aspirate tested positive for influenza A virus at Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH). His clinical diagnoses are pneumonia and myocarditis.
Initial investigations revealed that the patient had no travel history during the incubation period. His father recently suffered from upper respiratory tract infection symptoms and had recovered, while his mother remained asymptomatic.
The second case is a 13-year-old boy with good past health. He presented with cough and dizziness on March 11 and developed fever, runny nose and syncope on March 16. He was then admitted to Tseung Kwan O Hospital on the same day and was subsequently transferred to Paediatric Intensive Care Unit of PMH for further management. He is now in a stable condition and was today transferred to general ward.
His respiratory specimens tested positive for influenza B virus upon laboratory testing by the CHP's Public Health Laboratory Services Branch. His clinical diagnosis is influenza B infection complicated with sepsis.
Initial enquiries revealed that he had no travel history during the incubation period and his family contacts have been asymptomatic all along.
Investigations by the CHP into both cases 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); and
* The vaccination schemes page (www.chp.gov.hk/en/view_content/17980.html).
Ends/Monday, March 21, 2016
Issued at HKT 18:31
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