CHP urges public to promptly receive seasonal influenza vaccination as four severe paediatric influenza infection cases were recorded within four days
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The case involves a 14-year-old girl with good past health. She has developed a fever, cough and shortness of breath since October 21. She attended Princess Margaret Hospital today and was admitted to its paediatric intensive care unit. She is currently in serious condition. Her nasopharyngeal swab specimen tested positive for the influenza A virus upon laboratory testing. The clinical diagnosis was influenza A infection complicated with shock. The girl had not received the 2025/26 SIV yet. Her household contacts are currently asymptomatic and no influenza outbreaks have been reported at her school recently.
Including today's case, 14 severe paediatric influenza cases, including one fatal case, involving children aged 2 to 17 have been recorded since the start of the school year in September. Among them, 11 had good past health.
"Hong Kong is currently in the summer influenza season, and the influenza activity remains high. The CHP's latest surveillance data showed that the percentage of respiratory specimens testing positive for seasonal influenza viruses during the past week (October 12 to 18) was 11.84 per cent, similar to the 12.02 per cent recorded during the preceding week. It exceeds the peak of 10.54 per cent during the winter influenza season earlier this year. Influenza A (H3) is the predominant circulating strain, accounting for nearly 90 per cent of all detected viruses, followed by influenza A (H1) accounting for nearly 10 per cent. Influenza B accounted for the remainder. The influenza admission rate in public hospitals is 0.78 cases per 10 000 population, similar to the 0.77 cases recorded during the preceding week. There has also been a continual increase in outbreaks of influenza-like illness in schools and Residential Care Homes (RCHs). As of yesterday (October 22), 608 outbreaks had been reported in schools since the start of the school year in September. Among them, 65, 323 and 220 cases occurred in kindergartens/child care centres, primary schools and secondary schools respectively," the Controller of the CHP, Dr Edwin Tsui, said.
"Based on the current level of influenza activity and trend analysis, the local influenza activity is expected to remain at a relatively high level over the next few weeks. Furthermore, viruses tend to become more active when temperatures drop. The winter influenza season in Hong Kong typically occurs between January and March. The current summer influenza season may overlap with the upcoming winter influenza season, which could lead to more hospitalisations due to influenza infection than in previous years. I urge all persons aged 6 months or above, except those with known contraindications, who have not yet received the SIV, to act promptly, particularly those high-risk groups such as the elderly, children, and adults with underlying illnesses and immunosuppression. Members of the public may also contact their family doctors to arrange for vaccinations," he added.
Members of the public, especially children, the elderly and those with underlying illnesses, should seek medical advice promptly if presented with fever and respiratory symptoms, for early treatment. As children with influenza can deteriorate rapidly, parents must pay close attention to their children's condition. They should go to the Accident and Emergency Department immediately if the child's condition deteriorates, for example if they develop symptoms such as shortness of breath, wheezing, blue lips, chest pain, confusion, a persistent fever or convulsions.
Dr Tsui reminded high-risk individuals to wear surgical masks when staying in crowded places. People with respiratory symptoms, even if mild, should wear a surgical mask and seek medical advice promptly. They should also consider whether to attend work or school.
In addition to issuing timely reminders to healthcare professionals and schools based on the latest seasonal influenza development, the CHP also uploads the latest seasonal influenza information on its website weekly. Members of the public can visit the CHP's seasonal influenza and COVID-19 & Flu Express webpages.
Ends/Thursday, October 23, 2025
Issued at HKT 20:44
Issued at HKT 20:44
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