The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (June 30) investigating two severe paediatric influenza A infection cases. The CHP urged the public to maintain good personal and environmental hygiene at all times to prevent influenza and other respiratory illnesses.
 
     The first case involves a 12-year-old boy with underlying illness. He presented with a fever, cough and shortness of breath on June 27. He was brought to the Accident and Emergency Department of Tuen Mun Hospital for medical attention on the same day and was subsequently admitted to its paediatric intensive care unit (PICU). His respiratory specimen collected on June 29 tested positive for the influenza A virus. His clinical diagnosis was influenza A infection complicated with septic shock. He remains hospitalised in serious condition.
 
     Another case involves a 6-year-old boy with good past health. He presented with a fever on June 27, and attended a private hospital the next day (June 28). Due to persistent seizure, he was transferred to the PICU of Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital for treatment. His respiratory specimen collected on June 29 tested positive for influenza A virus and Haemophilus influenzae. His clinical diagnosis was a co-infection of influenza A and Haemophilus influenzae complicated with severe pneumonia and septic shock. He remains hospitalised in critical condition.
 
     The CHP's preliminary investigation revealed that both boys had received the 2025/26 seasonal influenza vaccination. They had no travel history during the incubation period. There have been no recent influenza outbreaks at their schools. One of the household contacts of each boy developed upper respiratory symptoms and fever respectively but their conditions were mild and required no hospitalisation. The CHP will continue to investigate the cases.
 
     According to the surveillance data, seasonal influenza activity has been increasing over the past few weeks. Although it still remains slightly below the baseline levels at present, based on past experience, Hong Kong typically experiences a flu season between July and August. Hence, the CHP anticipates a further rise in influenza activity with arrival of an influenza season shortly.
 
     The CHP reminded members of the public, especially children, the elderly and those with underlying illnesses, to seek medical advice promptly for early treatment if they present with fever and respiratory symptoms. As the health condition of children with influenza can deteriorate rapidly, parents must pay close attention to their condition, and visit an accident and emergency department immediately if the child's condition deteriorates with symptoms such as shortness of breath, wheezing, blue lips, chest pain, confusion, a persistent fever or convulsions.
 
     Separately, the public should maintain good personal and environmental hygiene at all times to prevent contracting influenza and other respiratory illnesses. High-risk individuals should 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.
 
     Members of the public may refer to the CHP's COVID-19 & Flu Express, Seasonal Influenza Webpage, COVID-19 Vaccination Programme Webpage, and Vaccination Schemes Webpage, for the latest information.

Ends/Tuesday, June 30, 2026
Issued at HKT 19:47

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