DH investigates case of severe paediatric influenza A infection
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The case involves a 20-month-old boy with good past health. He developed a fever on August 7 and was taken to a private clinic on the following day (August 8). Since he presented with a convulsion in the clinic, he was taken immediately to the Accident and Emergency Department of Queen Elizabeth Hospital. Upon examination, he was found to have low blood pressure and was admitted to the hospital's paediatric intensive care unit. His respiratory specimen tested positive for influenza A virus. His clinical diagnosis was influenza A infection complicated with septic shock. He remains hospitalised and is in critical condition.
The CHP's preliminary investigation revealed that the boy had not received the seasonal influenza vaccination during the previous season (2025/26) and had no travel history during the incubation period. One of his household contacts recently developed upper respiratory symptoms and tested positive for influenza virus via a rapid antigen test. However, the household contact's condition was mild and did not require hospitalisation. The household contact has since recovered. The CHP will continue to investigate the case.
"Since Hong Kong entered the influenza season in late June, a cumulative total of seven cases of severe paediatric influenza infection have been recorded, including this case. One of them passed away unfortunately. We expect the level of influenza activity to remain high in the coming weeks. Members of the public are advised to maintain good personal and environmental hygiene at all times for personal protection against influenza infection. The latest surveillance data showed that the influenza activity is at a high level currently. The percentage of respiratory specimens testing positive for seasonal influenza viruses was 9.94 per cent and the influenza admission rate in public hospitals was 0.73 cases per 10 000 population last week. The predominant influenza viruses detected were influenza A (H3) and influenza A (H1), each accounting for 45 per cent. The rest were influenza B (10 per cent). These virus strains are similar to those circulating elsewhere in the world. Among them, the influenza A (H3) virus belongs to the K subclade, which has been circulating globally since last August. There is no evidence that it causes a more severe illness," said the Controller of the CHP, Dr Edwin Tsui.
"The World Health Organization has earlier announced its recommendations for the composition of influenza vaccines for the 2026/27 season in the northern hemisphere. Vaccine manufacturers are currently producing vaccines in accordance with the recommendations for use by the end of the year. The Government has completed the procurement process for the 2026/27 Seasonal Influenza Vaccination Programmes and is actively preparing various vaccination arrangements. I urge all schools and parents in Hong Kong to work closely with the CHP and actively participate in next season's Seasonal Influenza Vaccination School Outreach Programme," he added.
Dr Tsui also reminded parents that 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. Members of the public should seek medical attention as soon as possible if they develop respiratory symptoms. If they live with members of high-risk groups, such as children, the elderly and those with underlying illnesses or compromised immune systems, they should wear a surgical mask at home to reduce the risk of infecting them. Other effective ways to reduce the spread of the disease include maintaining household hygiene, frequently cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces, practising good hand hygiene, and ensuring proper indoor air circulation.
Members of the public may refer to the CHP's COVID-19 & Flu Express, Seasonal Influenza Webpage and COVID-19 Vaccination Programme Webpage, for the latest information.
Ends/Monday, August 10, 2026
Issued at HKT 19:05
Issued at HKT 19:05
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