The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (September 9) investigating a case of severe paediatric influenza A infection and reminded the community to heighten vigilance against influenza.
The case involves a 14-month-old girl with good past health. She has presented with cough, runny nose and fever since September 1, and visited a family doctor on September 4. She later presented with diarrhoea on September 7 and attended Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital the next day (September 8) due to worsening symptoms. She was admitted for treatment on the same day. Her respiratory specimen was positive for influenza A (H3) virus upon laboratory testing. The clinical diagnosis was influenza A infection complicated with shock. She is now in serious condition and is still being hospitalised.
Initial enquiries by the CHP revealed that the patient had no travel history during the incubation period. Five of her home contacts presented with respiratory symptoms. The CHP's investigations are ongoing.
A spokesman for the CHP stated that the public should maintain good personal and environmental hygiene against influenza and other respiratory illnesses and note the following:
- Surgical masks can prevent transmission of respiratory viruses from ill persons. It is essential for persons who are symptomatic (even if having mild symptoms) to wear a surgical mask;
- For high-risk persons (e.g. persons with underlying medical conditions or persons who are immunocompromised), wear a surgical mask when taking public transport or staying in crowded places. It is important to wear a mask properly, including performing hand hygiene before wearing and after removing a mask;
- Avoid touching one's eyes, mouth and nose;
- Wash hands with liquid soap and water properly whenever possibly contaminated;
- When hands are not visibly soiled, clean them with 70 to 80 per cent alcohol-based handrub;
- Cover the mouth and nose with tissue paper when sneezing or coughing. Dispose of soiled tissue paper properly into a lidded rubbish bin, and wash hands thoroughly afterwards;
- Maintain good indoor ventilation;
- When having respiratory symptoms, wear a surgical mask, refrain from work or attending classes at school, avoid going to crowded places and seek medical advice promptly; and
- Maintain a balanced diet, perform physical activity regularly, take adequate rest, do not smoke and avoid overstress.
The public may visit the CHP's influenza page and weekly COVID-19 & Flu Express for more information.