16-Year-Old Girl in Critical Condition After Contracting Influenza A with Severe Pneumonia
RTHK · 6 SOURCESabout 3 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
A 16-year-old girl with underlying health conditions is fighting for her life after contracting Influenza A (H3) and developing severe complications. She was transferred to United Christian Hospital's Paediatric Intensive Care Unit on August 18 after initially seeking treatment at Tseung Kwan O Hospital. The Centre for Health Protection reports that Hong Kong has accumulated 10 severe paediatric influenza cases since entering the flu season in late June, with one death and two patients, including this girl, in critical condition.
Key Points
- The patient, a 16-year-old girl with chronic illness, developed fever on August 15 and experienced breathing difficulties on August 18
- She was taken to Tseung Kwan O Hospital's emergency department and transferred to United Christian Hospital's Paediatric Intensive Care Unit due to respiratory failure and hypotension
- Laboratory tests confirmed Influenza A (H3) infection; clinical diagnosis includes severe pneumonia and septic shock
- The girl had no travel history during the incubation period, and household contacts remain asymptomatic
- Since late June, Hong Kong has recorded 10 severe paediatric flu cases: 1 death, 4 discharged, 3 stable, and 2 critical
Why It Matters
Dr. Hui Lok-kin, Controller of the Centre for Health Protection, warns that flu activity is expected to remain elevated over the coming weeks, with community transmission continuing and infection numbers likely to rise . The government has completed procurement for the 2026/27 seasonal flu vaccine programme and launched an electronic consent system for school-based vaccinations, urging parents to complete the process promptly .
Dr. Hui Lok-kin, Controller of the Centre for Health Protection, warns that flu activity is expected to remain elevated over the coming weeks, with community transmission continuing and infection numbers likely to rise . The government has completed procurement for the 2026/27 seasonal flu vaccine programme and launched an electronic consent system for school-based vaccinations, urging parents to complete the process promptly .