Hong Kong - CHP Seasonal Influenza Reports 2025 - 2026

[Commonground]

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

 

[Commonground]

Please see previous post (#41 https://flutrackers.com/forum/forum...uenza-reports-2025-2026?p=1039409#post1039409

Ends/Tuesday, August 4, 2026​

Child dies from influenza infection​

​The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health announced yesterday (August 3) a severe case of influenza A infection involving a seven-year-old boy. The patient passed away today (August 4).

This is the first fatal case of paediatric influenza infection in Hong Kong this year. The CHP reminded members of the public that as Hong Kong has entered the influenza season, it is expected the level of influenza activity to remain high in the coming weeks. Members of the public should maintain strict personal and environmental hygiene. High-risk individuals, such as children, elderly, and those with underlying illnesses or persons who are immunocompromised, should wear a surgical mask when using public transport or staying in crowded places. 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 may refer to the CHP's COVID-19 & Flu Express and Seasonal Influenza Webpage for the latest information.​

https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202608/04/P2026080400650.htm

 

[Commonground]

Ends/Wednesday, August 5, 2026​

Government actively prepares for Seasonal Influenza Vaccination Programmes and has successfully completed procurement process for vaccines​

The Department of Health (DH) announced today (August 5) that the Government has completed the procurement process for the 2026/27 Seasonal Influenza Vaccination (SIV) Programmes and is actively preparing various vaccination arrangements.

To enhance the stability of vaccine supplies, the Government has enhanced the procurement procedures this year to introduce different brands and technology platforms of seasonal influenza vaccines that are supplied by different vaccine suppliers. The enhancement aims to diversify supply chain risks, ensure the reliability and sustainability of vaccine supplies, and enhance the flexibility of vaccine use in order to increase the vaccination rate.​

... https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202608/05/P2026080500513.htm

 

[Commonground]

Ends/Sunday, August 9, 2026​

DH investigates case of severe paediatric influenza A infection​

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (August 9) 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 5-year-old girl with underlying illnesses. She developed a fever, cough with sputum, chills, rigors, and shortness of breath on August 7. She was taken to the Accident and Emergency Department of Tuen Mun Hospital yesterday (August 8) and was admitted to the paediatric intensive care unit for treatment. Her respiratory specimen tested positive for influenza A (H1) virus. Her clinical diagnosis was influenza A infection complicated with sepsis. She remains hospitalised and is in serious condition.

The CHP's preliminary investigation revealed that the girl had received the 2025/26 seasonal influenza vaccination. She had no travel history during the incubation period. Her household contacts remain asymptomatic. The CHP will continue to investigate the case.

"Hong Kong entered the influenza season in late June. The latest surveillance data showed that the influenza activity is at a high level currently. The percentage of respiratory specimens testing positive for seasonal influenza viruses was 9.94 per cent and the influenza admission rate in public hospitals was 0.73 cases per 10 000 population last week. The predominant influenza viruses detected were influenza A (H3) and influenza A (H1) (45 per cent each), the rest were influenza B (10 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.

"The World Health Organization has already announced its recommendations for the composition of influenza vaccines for the 2026/27 season in the northern hemisphere. Vaccine manufacturers are currently producing vaccines in accordance with the recommendations for use by the end of the year. The Government has completed the procurement process for the 2026/27 Seasonal Influenza Vaccination Programmes and is actively preparing various vaccination arrangements. In addition, influenza and COVID-19 activities are at a high level currently, I urge members of the public, especially children, the elderly and high-risk groups such as those with underlying illnesses or compromised immune systems, to seek medical attention and treatment as soon as possible if they develop a fever or respiratory symptoms, as their condition may deteriorate rapidly. This will help reduce the risk of complications. If you live with members of high-risk groups, you should wear a surgical mask at home and seek medical attention as soon as possible if you develop respiratory symptoms 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," he added.

Dr Tsui also 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 may refer to the CHP's COVID-19 & Flu Express, Seasonal Influenza Webpage and COVID-19 Vaccination Programme Webpage, for the latest information.​

https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202608/09/P2026080900578.htm

 

[Commonground]

Ends/Monday, August 10, 2026​

DH investigates case of severe paediatric influenza A infection​

​The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (August 10) 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 20-month-old boy with good past health. He developed a fever on August 7 and was taken to a private clinic on the following day (August 8). Since he presented with a convulsion in the clinic, he was taken immediately to the Accident and Emergency Department of Queen Elizabeth Hospital. Upon examination, he was found to have low blood pressure and was admitted to the hospital's paediatric intensive care unit. His respiratory specimen tested positive for influenza A virus. His clinical diagnosis was influenza A infection complicated with septic shock. He remains hospitalised and is in critical condition.

The CHP's preliminary investigation revealed that the boy had not received the seasonal influenza vaccination during the previous season (2025/26) and 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.

"Since Hong Kong entered the influenza season in late June, a cumulative total of seven cases of severe paediatric influenza infection have been recorded, including this case. One of them passed away unfortunately. We expect the level of influenza activity to remain high in the coming weeks. Members of the public are advised to maintain good personal and environmental hygiene at all times for personal protection against influenza infection. The latest surveillance data showed that the influenza activity is at a high level currently. The percentage of respiratory specimens testing positive for seasonal influenza viruses was 9.94 per cent and the influenza admission rate in public hospitals was 0.73 cases per 10 000 population last week. The predominant influenza viruses detected were influenza A (H3) and influenza A (H1), each accounting for 45 per cent. The rest were influenza B (10 per cent). These virus strains are similar to those circulating elsewhere in the world. Among them, the influenza A (H3) virus belongs to the K subclade, which has been circulating globally since last August. There is no evidence that it causes a more severe illness," said the Controller of the CHP, Dr Edwin Tsui.​

continued: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202608/10/P2026081000668.htm

 

[Commonground]

Ends/Tuesday, August 11, 2026​
DH investigates case of severe paediatric influenza A infection​

​The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (August 11) 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 an 18-month-old boy with good past health. He developed a fever, runny nose and cough on August 8 and was taken to a private clinic on the following day (August 9). He developed convulsion at home subsequently on the same day, and was taken immediately to the Accident and Emergency Department of Queen Elizabeth Hospital. Upon examination, he was found to be drowsy with low blood pressure, and was admitted to the hospital's paediatric intensive care unit. His respiratory specimen tested positive for influenza A virus. His clinical diagnosis was influenza A infection complicated with encephalopathy and septic shock. He remains hospitalised in serious condition.

The CHP's preliminary investigation revealed that the boy had not received the seasonal influenza vaccination during the previous season (2025/26) and had no travel history during the incubation period. One of his household contacts recently developed a mild fever and upper respiratory symptoms. The household contact's condition was mild and required no hospitalisation. The household contact has since recovered. The CHP will continue to investigate the case.

"Since Hong Kong entered the influenza season in late June, a cumulative total of eight cases of severe paediatric influenza infection have been recorded, including this case. One of them passed away, unfortunately. We expect the level of influenza activity to remain high in the coming weeks. Members of the public are advised to maintain good personal and environmental hygiene at all times for personal protection against influenza infection. The latest surveillance data showed that the influenza activity is at a high level currently. The percentage of respiratory specimens testing positive for seasonal influenza viruses was 9.94 per cent and the influenza admission rate in public hospitals was 0.73 cases per 10 000 population last week. The predominant influenza viruses detected were influenza A (H3) and influenza A (H1), each accounting for 45 per cent. The rest were influenza B (10 per cent). These virus strains are similar to those circulating elsewhere in the world. Among them, the influenza A (H3) virus belongs to the K subclade, which has been circulating globally since last August. There is no evidence that it causes a more severe illness," said the Controller of the CHP, Dr Edwin Tsui.

"The World Health Organization has earlier announced its recommendations for the composition of influenza vaccines for the 2026/27 season in the northern hemisphere. Vaccine manufacturers are currently producing vaccines in accordance with the recommendations for use by the end of the year. The Government has completed the procurement process for the 2026/27 Seasonal Influenza Vaccination Programmes and is actively preparing various vaccination arrangements. I urge all schools and parents in Hong Kong to work closely with the CHP and actively participate in next season's Seasonal Influenza Vaccination School Outreach Programme," he added.

Dr Tsui also 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 COVID-19 Vaccination Programme Webpage, for the latest information.​

https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202608/11/P2026081100610.htm

 

[Commonground]

Ends/Wednesday, August 12, 2026​

CHP records another case of severe paediatric influenza A infection​

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (August 12) recorded another 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 17-month-old girl with good past health. She developed a fever and cough on August 9 and was taken to a private clinic on the following day (August 10). Later that same day, her condition deteriorated and she developed shortness of breath. She was taken to the Accident and Emergency Department of Queen Elizabeth Hospital. Due to her respiratory distress and low blood pressure, she was admitted to the hospital's paediatric intensive care unit. Her respiratory specimen tested positive for influenza A virus. Her clinical diagnosis was influenza A infection complicated with severe pneumonia and septic shock. She remains hospitalised in critical condition.

The CHP's preliminary investigation revealed that the girl had not received the seasonal influenza vaccination during the previous season (2025/26). Her household contacts remain asymptomatic. The CHP will continue to investigate the case.

"Since Hong Kong entered the influenza season in late June, a cumulative total of nine cases of severe paediatric influenza infection have been recorded. Apart from one fatal case, three patients have recovered and been discharged, one remains in stable condition, two are in serious condition, and two are in critical condition (including the case mentioned above). Surveillance data shows that the level of influenza activity is currently on the rise, with a high level of influenza transmission in the community. As the number of infections is expected to rise, the number of severe cases will subsequently increase. In general, the situation in the current influenza season is comparable to that of previous influenza seasons, and the disease primarily affects the elderly and children. The predominant influenza viruses detected in Hong Kong are influenza A (H1) and influenza A (H3). The Public Health Laboratory Services Branch under the CHP has conducted viral genetic analyses of influenza cases, and confirmed that the predominant influenza virus strains are similar to those circulating in other regions of the world, with no significant genetic mutations detected so far. These strains would not cause a more severe illness or resistance to antiviral drugs," said the Controller of the CHP, Dr Edwin Tsui.
​
continued: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202608/12/P2026081200665.htm

 

[Commonground]

Ends/Tuesday, August 18, 2026​
CHP records case of severe paediatric influenza A infection​

​The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (August 18) recorded 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 16-year-old girl with underlying illnesses. She developed a fever on August 15. She presented with shortness of breath and was taken to the Accident and Emergency Department of Tseung Kwan O Hospital today. Due to her respiratory distress and low blood pressure, she was transferred to the United Christian Hospital's paediatric intensive care unit for treatment. Her respiratory specimen tested positive for influenza A (H3) virus. Her clinical diagnosis was influenza A complicated with severe pneumonia and septic shock. She is currently in critical condition.

The CHP's preliminary investigation revealed that the girl had no travel history during the incubation period and her household contacts remain asymptomatic. The CHP will continue to investigate the case.​

"Since Hong Kong entered the influenza season in late June, a cumulative total of 10 cases of severe paediatric influenza infection have been recorded, including one fatal case. Four patients have recovered and been discharged from hospital. Three patients are in stable condition, while two remain critical (including forementioned case).​

Continued: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202608/18/P2026081800740.htm

 

[Commonground]

Ends/Friday, August 21, 2026​
CHP records case of severe paediatric influenza A infection​

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (August 21) recorded 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 an 11-year-old boy with underlying illnesses. He developed a fever and cough since August 16, followed by shortness of breath the next day. He attended the Accident and Emergency Department of Kwong Wah Hospital (KWH) and was admitted for treatment. His respiratory specimen tested positive for influenza A (H3) virus. His clinical diagnosis was influenza A infection complicated with severe pneumonia and myocarditis. The patient remains hospitalised in the paediatric intensive care unit at KWH and is 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, who was recently hospitalised for fever and upper respiratory symptoms, also tested positive for influenza A (H3) virus. This household contact has recovered and been discharged. The CHP will continue to investigate the case.​

"Since Hong Kong entered the influenza season in late June, a total of 11 cases of severe paediatric influenza infection have been recorded. Among these cases, six patients have recovered and been discharged from hospital, one patient is in stable condition, one is in serious condition (the aforementioned case), two are in critical condition and one has passed away. We anticipate that activity levels for influenza will remain at a relatively high level in the coming weeks. Owing to continued influenza transmission in the community, the number of infections will rise, and the number of severe cases will increase accordingly. In general, the situation in the current influenza season is comparable to that of previous influenza seasons, and the disease primarily affects the elderly and children. The predominant influenza viruses detected in Hong Kong are influenza A (H1), followed by influenza A (H3). The Public Health Laboratory Services Branch under the CHP has conducted viral genetic analyses of influenza cases and confirmed that the predominant influenza virus strains are similar to those circulating in other regions of the world, with no evidence of causing a more severe illness or resistance to antiviral drugs so far," said the Controller of the CHP, Dr Edwin Tsui.​

Continued: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202608/21/P2026082100713.htm

 

[Commonground]

Ends/Sunday, August 30, 2026
CHP reminds schools and parents to take measures to prevent communicable diseases in new school year
Excerpt:

Respiratory infectious diseases
-------------------------------------

Hong Kong entered the influenza season in late June. So far, 11 cases of severe paediatric influenza infection have been recorded. Eight patients have recovered and been discharged from hospital, two patients remain in critical condition and there was one fatal case. The CHP's latest surveillance data shows that influenza activity level remains high. Due to widespread influenza transmission in the community in recent months, the number of infections has increased significantly, leading to a corresponding rise in severe cases. The CHP expects that influenza will remain active at the beginning of the new school year, and that influenza outbreaks may occur in schools. Therefore, schools and parents must remain vigilant and take preventive measures.

COVID-19 activity level has also been on an upward trend since June, and began to decrease after reaching a peak in early August. The CHP has recorded two severe paediatric cases of COVID-19 infection since June. Neither child had received COVID-19 vaccination. Regarding other respiratory pathogens, the activity level of respiratory syncytial virus has shown a slight upward trend recently, though it remains below the peak levels recorded in recent years.

Vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent seasonal influenza, COVID-19 and their complications. It also reduces the risk of hospitalisation and death. In addition, members of the public should maintain good personal, hand and environmental hygiene to prevent respiratory infections. Students and school staff with respiratory symptoms, even if the symptoms are mild, should wear a surgical mask, refrain from going to work or attending classes, avoid crowded places and seek medical advice promptly. They should also maintain hand hygiene before putting on and after removing a mask. High-risk individuals should wear surgical masks when visiting public places. The general public should also wear surgical masks when taking public transport or staying in crowded places.

Mosquito-borne diseases
----------------------------

Although mosquito-borne diseases, such as dengue fever (DF) and chikungunya fever (CF), are not transmitted from person to person, schools should take measures to strengthen efforts to eliminate stagnant water and prevent mosquito breeding, such as changing water for plants at least once a week, covering all water containers tightly and keeping all drains free from blockage. School management is advised to appoint designated staff to be responsible for mosquito prevention and control on campus. Details are available from the guidelines published by the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department.

As of August 27, Hong Kong has recorded a total of 28 DF cases (comprising 26 imported cases and two local cases) as well as two imported CF cases this year.

Hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD)
-------------------------------------------

HFMD is a common disease in children usually caused by enteroviruses, such as coxsackie viruses and enterovirus 71. In Hong Kong, the peak season for HFMD is usually from May to July, with a smaller peak occurring from October to December after the start of the school year. In June and July this year, surveillance data showed that HFMD activity level had increased and remained high. Since mid-August, it has declined to a lower level. When classes resume, close contact among young children in schools and institutions will make the disease easier to spread, and sporadic outbreaks may occur.

HFMD is mainly transmitted by contact with an infected person's nose or throat discharges, saliva, fluid from vesicles or stool, or after touching contaminated objects. To prevent the spread of HFMD within school settings, affected children should remain at home and refrain from attending school until they have completely recovered.

The CHP reminded schools to implement prevention and control measures, and handle outbreak cases in accordance with the Guidelines on Prevention of Communicable Diseases. If an outbreak is suspected, schools should immediately report it to the CHP for prompt follow-up. Schools may also refer to the CHP's guidelines on CF, DF, seasonal influenza, HFMD and EV71 infection for more information. Information on SIV is available on the CHP's Vaccination Schemes page.

CHP reminds schools and parents to take measures to prevent communicable diseases in new school year

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (August 30) reminded schools and parents to take appropriate measures to prevent the spread of various communicable...

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