The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (September 1) recorded a severe paediatric influenza A infection case. The CHP urged the public to receive vaccinations as early as possible after the Seasonal Influenza Vaccination (SIV) Programmes commence on September 17 to safeguard their own health and that of their families. 

     The case involves a five-year-old boy with underlying illnesses. He developed a fever, cough and shortness of breath since August 30, and was brought to a private hospital on the same day. Due to his respiratory distress, he was transferred to the paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) of Queen Mary Hospital for treatment. His respiratory specimen tested positive for influenza A virus. His clinical diagnosis was influenza A infection complicated with severe pneumonia. The patient remains hospitalised in PICU in serious condition.

     The CHP's preliminary investigation revealed that the boy had no travel history during the incubation period. One of his household contacts recently developed mild upper respiratory symptoms; the condition was mild and no hospitalisation was required.

     "Hong Kong entered the influenza season in late June and influenza activity continued to rise from July through mid-August. According to the latest surveillance data, influenza activity remains high. Owing to widespread influenza transmission in the community in recent months and the substantial rise in infections, the number of severe cases has increased accordingly. We anticipate that influenza activity will remain at a high level during the initial period of the new school year, with possible influenza outbreaks in schools. Therefore, schools and parents must remain vigilant and take preventive measures," said the Controller of the CHP, Dr Edwin Tsui.

     "The 2026/27 SIV Programmes, including the SIV School Outreach Programme (SIVSOP), will commence on September 17. The SIVSOP this year will introduce a new Electronic Consent Form (e-consent form) feature via eHealth. We have distributed school-specific QR codes to participating schools for distribution to parents. The QR codes have become effective. Parents are encouraged to fill out the e-consent forms for their children as soon as possible. This new measure not only facilitates the public to join the SIV Programmes but also streamlines the administrative procedures for healthcare service providers and schools, so that SIV outreach activities can start as early as possible. Around 80 schools have scheduled to organise SIV outreach activities in September so far, which is 16 times that of the same period last year. I appeal to all schools and parents in Hong Kong to work closely with the CHP and complete the consent process as soon as possible, so that students can be arranged to receive SIV earlier," he added.

     Dr Tsui 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 Vaccination Schemes for the latest information.
 

Ends/Tuesday, September 1, 2026
Issued at HKT 20:11

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