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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (January 25) investigating a case of severe paediatric influenza A infection affecting a 16-year-old girl.
The patient, with underlying illnesses, has presented with fever, cough and shortness of breath since January 23. She attended the Accident and Emergency Department of Tuen Mun Hospital (TMH) on January 24 and was admitted on the same day. Her condition deteriorated and was subsequently transferred to the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit today. Her clinical diagnosis was pneumonia. She is currently in serious condition.
Her sputum sample tested positive for influenza A (H3) virus upon laboratory testing by TMH.
Initial enquiries by the CHP revealed that the patient had no travel history during the incubation period. Her home contacts did not have symptoms of influenza-like illness.
Investigation is ongoing.
To prevent respiratory tract infections, a spokesman for the CHP urged members of the public to take heed of the following advice:
* Build up good body immunity by having a proper diet, regular exercise and adequate rest, reducing stress and avoiding smoking;
* Maintain good personal hygiene, wash hands after sneezing or coughing and cleaning the nose, and wear a mask when symptoms of respiratory tract infection develop;
* Maintain good ventilation;
* When influenza is prevalent, avoid going to crowded or poorly ventilated public places; high-risk individuals may consider to put on surgical masks when staying in these places; and
* Receive seasonal influenza vaccination. For details, please visit the Influenza Page of the CHP's website(www.chp.gov.hk/en/view_content/14843.html).
Ends/Sunday, January 25, 2015
Issued at HKT 21:24
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