9-Year-Old Girl in Critical Condition After Contracting Influenza B
HK01 · 5 SOURCES1 day ago2 MIN
Summary
A 9-year-old girl with pre-existing medical conditions is in critical condition at Queen Elizabeth Hospital's Paediatric Intensive Care Unit after contracting influenza B. The child developed septic shock and severe pneumonia as complications of the infection. Health authorities are urging parents to ensure children receive seasonal flu vaccinations amid high community transmission rates.
Key Points
- The girl began experiencing fever on September 30, followed by cough and vomiting on October 1. She was first seen at a private clinic before being transferred to Queen Elizabeth Hospital's emergency department and subsequently to the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit .
- Laboratory tests confirmed the child was positive for influenza B virus, with clinical diagnosis including septic shock and severe pneumonia. She had not received the 2026/27 seasonal flu vaccine .
- The child had no travel history during the incubation period. Two household contacts had experienced mild fever and upper respiratory symptoms but have since recovered .
- Since Hong Kong entered the flu season at the end of June, 21 severe pediatric influenza cases have been recorded: 16 recovered and discharged, 2 stable, 2 critical including this case, and 1 death .
- The Centre for Health Protection reports approximately 100 schools have already conducted vaccination outreach activities, with the programme expected to complete by mid-December, two weeks ahead of last year's schedule .
Why It Matters
The critical case highlights the serious health risks influenza poses to children with underlying conditions, particularly during peak flu season when community transmission is widespread. Health authorities are concerned that school clusters will increase as students return to classrooms, making vaccination outreach even more critical for protecting vulnerable young people .
The critical case highlights the serious health risks influenza poses to children with underlying conditions, particularly during peak flu season when community transmission is widespread. Health authorities are concerned that school clusters will increase as students return to classrooms, making vaccination outreach even more critical for protecting vulnerable young people .