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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (May 10) investigating a case 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. Children, the elderly and those with chronic diseases should promptly seek medical advice if influenza-like symptoms develop.
The 10-year-old girl, with good past health, has presented with fever, cough, sore throat and rash since April 26. She was admitted to Queen Elizabeth Hospital on May 6 and subsequently transferred to the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit on the same day for further management. The patient was transferred back to a general ward today and is currently in a stable condition.
Her nasopharyngeal swab tested positive for influenza B virus by the CHP's Public Health Laboratory Services Branch. Her clinical diagnosis was sepsis.
The CHP's initial enquiries revealed that the patient had no recent travel history. Three home contacts had recent upper respiratory tract infection symptoms and all of them had recovered after medical consultation. They have been in a stable condition all along. The remaining one home contact remained asymptomatic. Investigations 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, May 10, 2016
Issued at HKT 18:17
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