Oct32026

CHP records case of severe paediatric influenza infection

East Asia
     ​​The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (October 3) recorded a severe paediatric influenza infection case. The CHP urged the public to receive vaccinations as early as possible to safeguard their own health and that of their families. In addition, the public should maintain good personal and environmental hygiene at all times to prevent influenza and other respiratory illnesses.

     The case involves a nine-year-old girl with underlying illnesses. She developed a fever on September 30. On October 1, she developed a cough and vomiting, and was taken to a private clinic. On the same day, she was referred to the Accident and Emergency Department of Queen Elizabeth Hospital, where she was admitted to the paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) of the hospital for treatment. Her respiratory specimen tested positive for influenza B virus. Her clinical diagnosis was influenza B infection complicated with septic shock and severe pneumonia. The patient remains hospitalised at the PICU in critical condition.

     The CHP’s preliminary investigation revealed that the patient had no travel history during the incubation period, and has not received the 2026/27 Seasonal Influenza Vaccination (SIV). The investigation also revealed that two of her household contacts had developed mild fever and upper respiratory symptoms recently, but both have now recovered. The CHP will continue to investigate the case.

     Hong Kong entered the influenza season in late June. The latest surveillance data showed that influenza activity remains at a high level. Since the end of June, a cumulative total of 21 cases of severe paediatric influenza infection have been recorded. Among these cases, 16 patients have recovered and been discharged from hospital, two patients are in stable condition, two are 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. With the start of the new school year and an increase in group activities, the CHP anticipates that influenza activity will remain at a high level in the coming weeks while influenza outbreaks in schools are expected to increase. Therefore, schools and parents must remain vigilant and take preventive measures.

     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. Approximately 100 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. The CHP 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.

     The CHP 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.

Oct22026

Six-figure fine for company after man’s crush injuries uncovered wider failings

HSE
  • 25-year-old man crushed while repairing excavator bucket
  • HSE investigation of incident also uncovered failure to control exposure to welding fume

A company in Northumberland that manufactures earth moving attachments, such as excavator buckets, has been fined a six-figure sum after a man was crushed during repair works.

The 25-year-old suffered multiple fractures when he was crushed by an excavator bucket as he carried out repairs to it on 10 November 2023.

When inspectors from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) carried out an investigation into the incident, they also identified failures in respect of how welding fume was being controlled during welding and burning activities.

The man had been working for Miller UK Ltd at a site in Cramlington when the incident happened. The work involved removing worn pieces of steel from the excavator bucket. As the man was working within the mouth of the bucket, its structural integrity failed and the bucket collapsed onto him. He became trapped inside and it was only when two colleagues attached an overhead crane and lifted the bucket sufficiently that he was able to crawl free.

He sustained eight fractured ribs, two fractured knees, two fractured vertebrae and a bruised left lung.

The HSE investigation also found Miller UK Ltd had failed to undertake a suitable and sufficient risk assessment of the repair work leading to the bucket collapse, and had failed provide a safe system of work and adequate instruction to its employees.

It was during a subsequent inspection by the HSE that inspectors observed workers using plasma cutters and welding equipment without suitable control measures to adequately control the risk of exposure to welding fume, a hazardous substance that can cause cancer.

HSE investigators also identified that the company had failed to conduct a suitable and sufficient assessment of the risks associated with exposure to welding fume in its repair department. The company subsequently failed to implement and monitor measures required to reduce exposure to welding fume to as a level as low as reasonable practicable, including use of local exhaust ventilation.

Miller UK Ltd, of Cramlington, Northumberland, pleaded guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and Regulation 7(1) of the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002. The company was fined a total of £173,334 and ordered to pay £8,674 in costs at North Tyneside Magistrates Court on 2 October 2026.

HSE inspector Matthew Dundas said:

“Our investigation identified that the repair work taking place was not being done safely and it left the man with serious injuries.

“Had the company identified the risk and ensured its employees were adequately instructed and trained, this incident would not have happened.

“This was an unusual case as the investigation was initiated following an incident where a young man was very seriously injured, however the subsequent intervention discovered additional failings, which led to further charges.

“As a result of the investigation, it was identified that other workers were not being adequately protected from the risks of welding fume.

“I hope this case highlights that HSE can and will take action when duty holders fail to discharge their health and safety obligations.”

This HSE prosecution was brought by HSE enforcement lawyer Iain Jordan and paralegal officer Zara Salman.

 

Further information:

  1. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is Britain’s national regulator for workplace health and safety. We are dedicated to protecting people and places, and helping everyone lead safer and healthier lives.
  2. More information about the legislation referred to in this case is available.
  3. Further details on the latest HSE news releases is available.
  4. HSE does not pass sentences, set guidelines or collect any fines imposed. Relevant sentencing guidelines must be followed unless the court is satisfied that it would be contrary to the interests of justice to do so.  The sentencing guidelines for health and safety offences can be found here.