tetano
Editor, Senior Moderator
Case of severe paediatric influenza B infection under CHP investigation
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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (March 1) investigating a case of severe paediatric influenza B infection affecting a 19-month-old boy.
The patient, with underlying illnesses, developed fever, cough and runny nose since February 27. He was admitted to Kwong Wah Hospital (KWH) yesterday (February 28) and was transferred to the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit today. His clinical diagnosis was influenza complicated with shock. He is currently in serious condition.
His respiratory specimen tested positive for influenza B virus upon laboratory testing by KWH.
Initial enquiries by the CHP revealed that the patient had no recent travel history. His 16-month-old female cousin had influenza-like illness (ILI) symptoms and had sought medical attention from a private doctor. She is now in stable condition.
To prevent respiratory tract infections, a spokesman for the CHP urged members of the public to take heed of the following advice:
* Build up good body immunity by having a proper diet, regular exercise and adequate rest, reducing stress and avoiding smoking;
* Maintain good personal hygiene, wash hands after sneezing or coughing and cleaning the nose, and wear a mask when symptoms of respiratory tract infection develop;
* Maintain good ventilation;
* Avoid visiting crowded places with poor ventilation; and
* Receive seasonal influenza vaccination. For details, please visit the Influenza Page of the CHP?s website (www.chp.gov.hk/en/view_content/14843.html).
Ends/Saturday, March 1, 2014
Issued at HKT 17:24
http://foreignaffairs.co.nz/2014/03...nfluenza-b-infection-under-chp-investigation/
**********************************************************
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (March 1) investigating a case of severe paediatric influenza B infection affecting a 19-month-old boy.
The patient, with underlying illnesses, developed fever, cough and runny nose since February 27. He was admitted to Kwong Wah Hospital (KWH) yesterday (February 28) and was transferred to the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit today. His clinical diagnosis was influenza complicated with shock. He is currently in serious condition.
His respiratory specimen tested positive for influenza B virus upon laboratory testing by KWH.
Initial enquiries by the CHP revealed that the patient had no recent travel history. His 16-month-old female cousin had influenza-like illness (ILI) symptoms and had sought medical attention from a private doctor. She is now in stable condition.
To prevent respiratory tract infections, a spokesman for the CHP urged members of the public to take heed of the following advice:
* Build up good body immunity by having a proper diet, regular exercise and adequate rest, reducing stress and avoiding smoking;
* Maintain good personal hygiene, wash hands after sneezing or coughing and cleaning the nose, and wear a mask when symptoms of respiratory tract infection develop;
* Maintain good ventilation;
* Avoid visiting crowded places with poor ventilation; and
* Receive seasonal influenza vaccination. For details, please visit the Influenza Page of the CHP?s website (www.chp.gov.hk/en/view_content/14843.html).
Ends/Saturday, March 1, 2014
Issued at HKT 17:24
http://foreignaffairs.co.nz/2014/03...nfluenza-b-infection-under-chp-investigation/