Commonground
Senior Moderator
Ends/Monday, August 3, 2026
DH investigates case of severe paediatric influenza A infection
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (August 3) investigating a severe paediatric influenza A infection case. The CHP urged the public to maintain good personal and environmental hygiene at all times to prevent influenza and other respiratory illnesses.
The case involves a 7-year-old boy with good past health. He developed a cough and runny nose on July 27, and a fever on August 1. His condition deteriorated today, with decreased responsiveness. He was taken to the Accident and Emergency Department of Princess Margaret Hospital and was admitted to the paediatric intensive care unit for treatment. His respiratory specimen tested positive for influenza A (H3) virus. His clinical diagnosis was influenza A infection complicated with shock and encephalopathy. He remains hospitalised and is in critical condition.
The CHP's preliminary investigation revealed that the boy had received the 2025/26 seasonal influenza vaccination. He 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.
"Hong Kong entered the influenza season in late June. The latest surveillance data revealed that the percentage of respiratory specimens testing positive for seasonal influenza viruses was 10.65 per cent and the influenza admission rate in public hospitals was 0.67 cases per 10 000 population last week. Both indicators increased last week. The predominant influenza viruses detected were influenza A (H3) (48 per cent), followed by influenza A (H1) (41 per cent) and influenza B (11 per cent). We expect the level of influenza activity to remain high in the coming weeks," said the Controller of the CHP, Dr Edwin Tsui.
continued: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202608/03/P2026080300694.htm
DH investigates case of severe paediatric influenza A infection
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (August 3) investigating a severe paediatric influenza A infection case. The CHP urged the public to maintain good personal and environmental hygiene at all times to prevent influenza and other respiratory illnesses.
The case involves a 7-year-old boy with good past health. He developed a cough and runny nose on July 27, and a fever on August 1. His condition deteriorated today, with decreased responsiveness. He was taken to the Accident and Emergency Department of Princess Margaret Hospital and was admitted to the paediatric intensive care unit for treatment. His respiratory specimen tested positive for influenza A (H3) virus. His clinical diagnosis was influenza A infection complicated with shock and encephalopathy. He remains hospitalised and is in critical condition.
The CHP's preliminary investigation revealed that the boy had received the 2025/26 seasonal influenza vaccination. He 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.
"Hong Kong entered the influenza season in late June. The latest surveillance data revealed that the percentage of respiratory specimens testing positive for seasonal influenza viruses was 10.65 per cent and the influenza admission rate in public hospitals was 0.67 cases per 10 000 population last week. Both indicators increased last week. The predominant influenza viruses detected were influenza A (H3) (48 per cent), followed by influenza A (H1) (41 per cent) and influenza B (11 per cent). We expect the level of influenza activity to remain high in the coming weeks," said the Controller of the CHP, Dr Edwin Tsui.
continued: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202608/03/P2026080300694.htm