CHP records case of severe paediatric influenza infection
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The case involves an 11-year-old girl with underlying illness. She developed a cough on September 29 followed by a fever on the next day. On October 3, she sought medical attention at a private clinic due to shortness of breath and vomiting, and was referred to the Accident and Emergency Department of Queen Mary Hospital, where she was admitted for treatment. Her respiratory specimen tested positive for influenza A (H1) virus. Her clinical diagnosis was influenza A infection complicated with severe pneumonia. The patient remains hospitalised in the hospital’s paediatric intensive care unit and is in serious condition.
The CHP's preliminary investigation revealed that the patient had no travel history during the incubation period. She had not received the 2026/27 Seasonal Influenza Vaccination (SIV). One of her household contacts recently developed upper respiratory symptoms, but the symptoms were mild and the household contact concerned has recovered. The CHP will continue to investigate the case.
"Hong Kong entered the influenza season in late June this year and the influenza season has lasted for more than three months by now. Currently, the local influenza activity remains at a high level. The predominant influenza virus detected at present is influenza A (H1). The CHP's epidemiological investigation indicated that the characteristics of severe or death cases related to seasonal influenza during this influenza season are similar to those in previous years, affecting primarily the elderly and children. Over the past five days, the CHP has recorded three cases of severe paediatric influenza infection. Since the start of the influenza season in late June, a cumulative total of 23 cases of severe paediatric influenza infection have been recorded. Among these cases, 16 patients have recovered and been discharged from hospital, four patients are in stable condition, one is in serious condition, one is in critical condition and one has passed away. Due to widespread influenza transmission in the community in recent months, there has been a significant increase in both the number of infections and severe cases. Since the new school year started in September, nearly 370 influenza-like illness outbreaks have been recorded in schools, affecting a total of approximately 2 200 persons. Schools and parents must remain vigilant and take preventive measures. The CHP anticipates that the influenza activity will continue to fluctuate at high levels in the coming weeks," said the Controller of the CHP, Dr Edwin Tsui.
The 2026/27 SIV Programmes, including the SIV School Outreach Programme (SIVSOP), commenced on September 17. The SIVSOP this year has introduced a new Electronic Consent Form (e-consent form) feature via eHealth. 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. More than 140 schools have organised SIV outreach activities, a significant increase compared to the same period last year. SIV outreach activities are expected to be completed by mid-December, about two weeks earlier than last year.
Dr Tsui appeals 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.
Dr Tsui reminds 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/Wednesday, October 7, 2026
Issued at HKT 20:15
Issued at HKT 20:15
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