The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (May 20) investigating a case of severe paediatric influenza B infection, and reminded members of the public who have not yet received seasonal influenza vaccination in the 2018-19 season that they can still receive it for personal protection against seasonal influenza.

     The case involves a 9-year-old girl with good past health, who has presented with fever and cough since May 13 and developed shortness of breath on May 17. She was taken to St Teresa's Hospital for medical attention on May 17 and was subsequently transferred to the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit of Queen Mary Hospital for further management on the same day.

     Her nasopharyngeal aspirate tested positive for influenza B virus upon laboratory testing. The clinical diagnosis was influenza B infection complicated with shock. She is now in a critical condition.

     Initial enquiries revealed that the patient had not received seasonal influenza vaccination for the current season and had no travel history during the incubation period. Her younger brother developed fever recently and has sought medical attention. He is in a stable condition and no hospitalisation was required. Her other home contacts have remained asymptomatic so far.
 
     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/Monday, May 20, 2019
Issued at HKT 18:45

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