The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) is today (April 2) investigating a case of severe paediatric influenza A infection. The case involves a 7-year-old girl with underlying illnesses, who has presented with cough and runny nose since March 27. She attended the Accident and Emergency Department at Queen Mary Hospital for medical attention on March 29 and was admitted for management. She was transferred to the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit of the hospital yesterday for further management.
Her respiratory specimen tested positive for influenza A virus upon laboratory testing. The clinical diagnosis was influenza A infection complicated with severe pneumonia. She is now in a serious condition.
Initial enquiries revealed that the patient had no travel history during the incubation period. Her parents, elder brother and domestic helper developed upper respiratory tract infection symptoms recently and have sought medical attention. They have been in a stable condition and no hospitalisation is required.
The CHP's investigations are ongoing.
Her respiratory specimen tested positive for influenza A virus upon laboratory testing. The clinical diagnosis was influenza A infection complicated with severe pneumonia. She is now in a serious condition.
Initial enquiries revealed that the patient had no travel history during the incubation period. Her parents, elder brother and domestic helper developed upper respiratory tract infection symptoms recently and have sought medical attention. They have been in a stable condition and no hospitalisation is required.
The CHP's investigations are ongoing.