The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (May 2) investigating a case of severe paediatric influenza A infection.

     The case involves a 5-year-old girl with underlying illness, who has presented with fever and oxygen desaturation since April 26. She was admitted to the Caritas Medical Centre's Paediatric Special Care Unit for treatment today.

     Her sputum sample tested positive for influenza A virus upon laboratory testing. The clinical diagnosis was influenza A infection complicated with severe pneumonia. She is now in a critical condition.

     Initial enquiries revealed that the patient had received seasonal influenza vaccination for the current season and had no travel history during the incubation period.

     The CHP's investigations are ongoing.

     "Although the winter influenza season has ended, members of the public aged 6 months or above (except those with known contraindications) who have not yet received seasonal influenza vaccination in the 2018-19 season can still receive it for personal protection against seasonal influenza," a spokesman for the CHP said.

     "Meanwhile, the public should continue to adopt strict personal, hand and environmental hygiene practices against respiratory illnesses and other infectious diseases," the spokesman added.

     The public may visit the CHP's influenza page and weekly Flu Express for more information.

Ends/Thursday, May 2, 2019
Issued at HKT 20:31

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