Three-year-old boy critical with flu complications
HK01 · 4 SOURCES1 day ago6 MIN
Summary
A three-year-old boy with an underlying medical condition is in critical condition after testing positive for influenza A (H1) and developing multiple serious complications at Tuen Mun Hospital. The Centre for Health Protection said the child had fever and cough from October 20, later developed mild shortness of breath, and was admitted to the hospital’s paediatric intensive care unit after his condition worsened and he briefly lost consciousness.
Key Points
- The patient is a three-year-old boy with a chronic illness who remains in the paediatric intensive care unit at Tuen Mun Hospital in critical condition.
- He developed fever and cough on October 20, mild shortness of breath on October 21, and deteriorated on October 22 before emergency treatment.
- Laboratory testing on his respiratory sample confirmed influenza A (H1), and doctors diagnosed an acute asthma flare-up, acute necrotising encephalopathy and septic shock.
- Initial investigation found he had visited the United States during the incubation period and had not received the 2026/27 seasonal influenza vaccine.
- One household contact recently had mild upper respiratory symptoms, did not require hospitalisation and has since recovered, while the investigation is continuing.
- The Centre for Health Protection said Hong Kong entered flu season in late June, with positivity rates of 10.04% to 11.61% in the past four weeks.
- Public hospital influenza-related admission rates stayed at 0.46 to 0.67 per 10,000 population, above the baseline of 0.27 per 10,000.
- This flu season has recorded 26 severe paediatric influenza cases, including 20 discharged after recovery, two serious cases, two critical cases and two deaths.
- Director of Health Protection Edwin Tsui Lok-kin (徐樂堅) urged vaccination, saying unvaccinated children had about five times the risk of severe complications or death last season.
- The 2026/27 seasonal influenza vaccination programme began on September 17, with about 1,000 schools already holding outreach sessions due to finish by mid-December
Why It Matters
The case comes as local influenza activity remains above baseline and severe paediatric infections continue to be reported, keeping pressure on hospitals and public health surveillance. Authorities are using the case to reinforce vaccination and hygiene messages, especially for children, older people and others in higher-risk groups.