The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (July 11) investigating a case of severe paediatric influenza B infection and an influenza A outbreak at a kindergarten in Kwai Chung, and reminded members of the public who have not yet received seasonal influenza vaccination in the 2018-19 season that they can still receive it for personal protection against seasonal influenza.
The severe paediatric case involves a 4-year-old girl with good past health, who has presented with fever, vomiting and shortness of breath since July 8. She was taken to the Accident and Emergency Department at Queen Elizabeth Hospital for medical attention on July 10 and was admitted for management. She was subsequently transferred to the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit of the hospital for further management on the same day.
Her respiratory specimen tested positive for influenza B virus upon laboratory testing. The clinical diagnosis was influenza B infection complicated with encephalopathy. She is now in a serious condition.
Initial enquiries revealed that the patient had not received seasonal influenza vaccination for the current season and had no travel history during the incubation period. Her home contacts have remained asymptomatic so far.
The influenza A outbreak at a kindergarten in Kwai Chung affected 11 boys and nine girls aged 4 to 6, who developed fever, cough, runny nose and sore throat since June 29. Among them, 18 sought medical attention and none required hospitalisation. All are in a stable condition. The respiratory specimen of one child tested positive for influenza A upon laboratory testing.
Officers of the CHP have conducted a site visit and advised the school to adopt infection control measures against respiratory tract infections. The school has been placed under medical surveillance.
A spokesman for the CHP said, “To prevent outbreaks of influenza and other respiratory infections, it is of prime importance that students with fever, regardless of the presence of respiratory symptoms, should not be allowed to attend school. They should seek medical advice and avoid school till 48 hours after the fever has subsided. Schools should also measure and record students’ body temperature properly.”
Schools are reminded to follow the Guidelines on Prevention of Communicable Diseases on preventive and control measures as well as management of outbreaks, which should be reported to the CHP for prompt follow-up.
“The latest surveillance data showed that the local seasonal influenza activity in the past few weeks was higher than that in early May. Members of the public aged 6 months or above (except those with known contraindications) who have not yet received seasonal influenza vaccination in the 2018-19 season can still receive it for personal protection against seasonal influenza,” the spokesman said.
“Meanwhile, the public should continue to adopt strict personal, hand and environmental hygiene practices against respiratory illnesses and other infectious diseases,” the spokesman added.
The public may visit the CHP’s influenza page and weekly Flu Express for more information. read more
