Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
CHP investigates 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 October 17, followed by vomiting. Her condition worsened on the evening of October 19 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. Her respiratory specimen tested positive for influenza A (H1) virus. Her clinical diagnosis was influenza A infection complicated with septic shock, disseminated intravascular coagulation and multi-organ failure. The patient passed away yesterday (October 20).
The CHP’s preliminary investigation revealed that the patient had no travel history during the incubation period and had not received the 2026/27 Seasonal Influenza Vaccination (SIV). One of her household contacts recently developed mild upper respiratory symptoms, but the symptoms were mild and did not require hospitalisation. The CHP will continue to investigate the case. The case will be referred to the Coroner.
“Hong Kong entered the influenza season in late June this year and the influenza season has lasted for nearly four months by now. Currently, local influenza activity remains at a high level. A cumulative total of 25 cases of severe paediatric influenza infection have been recorded in the current influenza season, which is the same as that recorded during the same period last season. Among these cases, 20 patients had recovered and been discharged from hospital, one patient is in serious condition, two patients are in critical condition and two passed away (including the above case). I urge the public not to take influenza lightly, and to take appropriate preventive measures, including receiving SIV as early as possible in order to build an immunity barrier in the community and reduce the risk of severe illness and death,” said the Controller of the CHP, Dr Edwin Tsui.
“The CHP’s analysis of data from the previous year revealed that the rate of severe complications or death among unvaccinated children following influenza infection was approximately five times higher than that among vaccinated children. Among unvaccinated residents aged 65 years or older living in residential care homes for the elderly, the rate of severe complications was approximately four times higher than that among vaccinated residents. 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,” Dr Tsui added.
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. About 960 schools have organised SIV outreach activities. SIV outreach activities are expected to be completed by mid-December, about two weeks earlier than last year.Issued at HKT 19:44
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