Department of Health’s Centre for Health Protection has emphasised the importance of the flu vaccine as the influenza season continues. 

Department of Health’s Centre for Health Protection (CHP) is investigating a fatal case of paediatric influenza infection. 

The case involved a 12-year-old girl with underlying health conditions. She developed a fever, cough and diarrhoea on 17 October, followed by vomiting. Her condition worsened on the evening of 19 October, and she was brought to the Accident and Emergency Department of Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital. She suffered a cardiac arrest and was resuscitated. She was admitted to the paediatric intensive care unit for treatment, where she passed away. 

Her respiratory specimen tested positive for influenza A (H1) virus. Her clinical diagnosis was influenza A infection complicated by septic shock, disseminated intravascular coagulation and multi-organ failure. 

The preliminary investigation showed that the patient had no travel history during the incubation period and had not received the latest seasonal influenza vaccination. One of her household contacts recently developed mild upper respiratory symptoms, but the symptoms were mild and did not require hospitalisation. 

The CHP has said that it will continue to investigate the case. The case will be referred to the coroner.

Dangers of seasonal influenza

“Hong Kong entered the influenza season in late June this year and the influenza season has lasted for nearly four months by now,” said Edwin Tsui, the Controller of the CHP. He went on to point out that the CHP’s analysis of data from last year showed that the rate of severe complications or death among unvaccinated children following influenza infection was approximately five times higher than that among vaccinated children.

“These data clearly demonstrate that SIV is the most effective way to prevent severe cases of seasonal influenza and its complications. SIV also reduces the risk of hospitalisation and death. Therefore, all people aged six months or above, except those with known contraindications, should receive SIV for personal protection as early as possible,” he said. 

Parents, Tsui continued, must pay close attention to their child’s condition and visit an accident and emergency department immediately if a 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, he added.