CHP investigates case of severe paediatric COVID-19
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The case involves a 20-month-old boy with good past health. He developed fever, cough with sputum and shortness of breath on December 29, and presented with cyanosis the next day (December 30). He was brought to the Accident and Emergency Department of Prince of Wales Hospital and was admitted to the paediatric intensive care unit for treatment on the same day. His respiratory specimen tested positive for COVID-19 virus upon laboratory testing. The clinical diagnosis was croup. He is now in serious condition and is still hospitalised.
Initial enquiries by the CHP revealed that the patient had no travel history during the incubation period and had not received COVID-19 vaccine. His home contacts are currently asymptomatic.
The CHP reminded high-risk people who have never been vaccinated or infected with COVID-19 should arrange vaccination as soon as possible and adopt additional hygiene measures to protect themselves. Parents are also reminded to arrange COVID-19 vaccination for their babies aged 6 months or above in order to reduce the risk of severe cases and fatalities. In addition, high-risk priority groups are recommended to receive a dose of COVID-19 vaccine at least six months after the last dose or infection, regardless of the number of doses received previously. For more information on the COVID-19 Vaccination Programme and the latest recommendation on the use of vaccines, please visit the CHP's website at www.chp.gov.hk/en/features/106934.html.
In order to prevent infection of COVID-19, influenza and other respiratory illnesses as well as transmission in the community, the public should maintain strict personal and environmental hygiene at all times and note the following:
- Surgical masks can prevent transmission of respiratory viruses from ill persons. It is essential for persons who are symptomatic (even if having mild symptoms) to wear a surgical mask;
- It is important to wear a mask properly, including performing hand hygiene before wearing and after removing a mask;
- Avoid touching one's eyes, mouth and nose;
- 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;
- Cover the mouth and nose with tissue paper when sneezing or coughing. Dispose of soiled tissue paper properly into a lidded rubbish bin, and wash hands thoroughly afterwards;
- Maintain good indoor ventilation;
- When having respiratory symptoms, wear a surgical mask, refrain from work or attending classes at school, avoid going to crowded places and seek medical advice promptly; and
- Maintain a balanced diet, perform physical activity regularly, take adequate rest, do not smoke and avoid overstress.
The public may visit the thematic website of COVID-19 and the CHP's COVID-19 & Flu Express for more information.
Ends/Tuesday, January 2, 2024
Issued at HKT 19:30
Issued at HKT 19:30
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