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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (March 29) investigating two cases of severe paediatric influenza B 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 5-month-old baby boy, with underlying illness, who has presented with fever, cough and shortness of breath since March 21. He was brought to the Accident and Emergency Department of Kwong Wah Hospital and was admitted to the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit for further treatment on March 26. He is now in a stable condition.
His nasopharyngeal aspirate tested positive for the influenza B by Princess Margaret Hospital. His clinical diagnosis was influenza B complicated with pneumonia.
The CHP's initial enquiries revealed that the patient had no recent travel history. His father, who lives with him, recently suffered from mild upper respiratory tract symptoms. He has been in a stable condition all along. His other home contacts were asymptomatic.
The second case is a 10-year-old boy with good past health. He presented with fever and acute confusion on March 26 and was admitted to Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospital on the same day. He is now in a stable condition.
His nasopharyngeal aspirate tested positive for influenza B virus upon laboratory testing by the Prince of Wales Hospital. His clinical diagnosis is encephalopathy.
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 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, March 29, 2016
Issued at HKT 19:59
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