CHP investigates case of severe paediatric influenza A infection and influenza B outbreak at kindergarten
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The case of severe paediatric influenza A infection involves a 4-year-old girl with good past health, who has presented with fever, cough and runny nose since March 13. She developed convulsions today and was admitted to Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital where she was subsequently transferred to the paediatric intensive care unit for further management.
Her nasopharyngeal swab tested positive for influenza A virus. The clinical diagnosis was influenza A infection complicated with encephalopathy and shock. She is now in a serious condition.
The patient had no travel history during the incubation period and did not receive seasonal influenza vaccination for the current season. Her home contacts are asymptomatic so far.
Separately, the influenza B outbreak at a kindergarten in Tsing Yi involves 20 students, comprising 10 boys and 10 girls aged 3 to 6, who have developed fever, cough and sore throat since March 7. Nineteen sought medical attention and two of them were discharged upon hospitalisation. All patients are in a stable condition.
The nasopharyngeal aspirate of one student tested positive for influenza B virus upon laboratory testing.
Officers of the CHP have conducted a site visit to the school and advised it to adopt infection control measures against respiratory infections. The school has been put under medical surveillance.
A spokesman for the CHP said, "To prevent outbreaks of influenza and other respiratory infections, it is of prime importance that children with fever, regardless of the presence of respiratory symptoms, should not be allowed to attend school. They should seek medical advice and avoid school till 48 hours after the fever has subsided. Schools should also measure and record students' body temperature properly."
Schools are reminded to follow the Guidelines on Prevention of Communicable Diseases on preventive and control measures as well as management of outbreaks, which should be reported to the CHP for prompt follow-up.
The public should maintain good personal and environmental hygiene for protection 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 as an effective alternative;
- 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;
- 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.
For more information, please visit the CHP's influenza page and weekly Flu Express.
Ends/Thursday, March 15, 2018
Issued at HKT 18:15
Issued at HKT 18:15
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