Three Children in Critical Flu Conditions as Hong Kong Flu Season Intensifies
HK01 · 5 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
Hong Kong's Centre for Health Protection (CHP) confirmed three new severe pediatric influenza cases on Saturday (September 5), bringing the total to 16 severe cases among children since the city entered its flu season in late June. The latest cases involve a 6-year-old girl in critical condition, a 3-year-old girl, and a 15-year-old boy, both in severe condition. Health authorities are urging vigilance as schools resume and flu activity remains elevated.
Key Points
- A 6-year-old girl developed fever, runny nose, and cough on September 3, later suffering convulsions and requiring transfer to the pediatric intensive care unit at Pamela Youde Eastern Regional Hospital, diagnosed with influenza A-associated encephalopathy, currently in critical condition
- A 3-year-old girl developed fever on September 2, sought treatment at a private hospital, then experienced convulsions on September 3 and was admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, diagnosed with influenza A-associated septic shock, currently in severe condition
- A 15-year-old boy developed fever, runny nose, and fatigue on September 3, sought care at a private clinic and hospital, was found to have low blood pressure and transferred to intensive care, diagnosed with influenza B-associated septic shock, transferred to Queen Mary Hospital pediatric ICU on September 5, currently in severe condition
- All three children were previously healthy with no travel history during the incubation period, and household contacts show no symptoms
- Two other students in the 6-year-old girl's class recently showed mild flu symptoms, all recovering without hospitalization; the CHP has advised the school on infection control measures
Why It Matters
Centre for Health Protection Director Dr. Hui Lok-kin warned that flu transmission remains widespread in the community, with flu activity at high levels and further increases expected as schools reopen . The upcoming seasonal flu vaccination program launch on September 17 may help mitigate transmission, but authorities are particularly concerned about potential school outbreaks during the back-to-school period, requiring heightened vigilance from both schools and parents .
Centre for Health Protection Director Dr. Hui Lok-kin warned that flu transmission remains widespread in the community, with flu activity at high levels and further increases expected as schools reopen . The upcoming seasonal flu vaccination program launch on September 17 may help mitigate transmission, but authorities are particularly concerned about potential school outbreaks during the back-to-school period, requiring heightened vigilance from both schools and parents .