14-Month-Old Girl Dies from Influenza A, Third Child Flu Death This Year
HK01 · 7 SOURCES1 day ago2 MIN
Summary
A 14-month-old girl has died from Influenza A infection at United Christian Hospital, marking the third child fatality from flu this year in Hong Kong. The infant, who was previously healthy, developed acute necrotizing encephalopathy and multi-organ failure after falling ill on October 26. Hong Kong has been in flu season since late June, with 29 severe pediatric flu cases recorded so far this season.
Key Points
- The 14-month-old girl developed fever and cough on October 26, followed by seizures on October 27, when she was taken to Tseung Kwan O Hospital's emergency department and transferred to United Christian Hospital .
- Her respiratory samples tested positive for Influenza A (H1), with clinical diagnosis of acute necrotizing encephalopathy and multi-organ failure .
- She was admitted to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit on October 27 and remained there for 17 days before passing away on November 13 .
- The Centre for Health Protection confirmed the girl had no travel history during incubation and had not received seasonal flu vaccination .
- This season's 29 severe pediatric flu cases comprise 22 recoveries, 2 stable, 2 critical, and 3 deaths .
Why It Matters
Centre for Health Protection Director Dr. Tsui Lok-kin noted that unvaccinated children face approximately five times higher risk of severe complications or death compared to vaccinated children . With flu activity still above baseline despite a declining trend, health authorities are urging all residents aged six months or above to get vaccinated promptly through the 270 public vaccination points currently available .
Centre for Health Protection Director Dr. Tsui Lok-kin noted that unvaccinated children face approximately five times higher risk of severe complications or death compared to vaccinated children . With flu activity still above baseline despite a declining trend, health authorities are urging all residents aged six months or above to get vaccinated promptly through the 270 public vaccination points currently available .