CHP investigates two cases of severe paediatric influenza A infection
***************************************************************

     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (July 5) investigating two cases of severe paediatric influenza A 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 two cases involve a pair of twin brothers aged 2 months with underlying illnesses, who have presented with cough and poor feeding since July 2. They were taken to the Accident and Emergency Department at Prince of Wales Hospital for medical attention on July 4 and were admitted and transferred to the paediatric intensive care unit of the hospital for further management on the same day.

     Their respiratory specimens tested positive for influenza A virus upon laboratory testing. The clinical diagnoses were influenza A infection complicated with pneumonia. They are now in critical condition.

     Initial enquiries revealed that the patients had no travel history during the incubation period. Their maternal grandmother had upper respiratory symptoms recently but had recovered. Their other home contacts have remained asymptomatic so far.

     The CHP's investigations are ongoing.

     "The latest surveillance data showed that the overall local seasonal influenza activity in the past few weeks was higher than that in early May. 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/Friday, July 5, 2019
Issued at HKT 18:15

NNNN