HK records severe child flu case; health officials urge vaccination
Hong Kong's Centre for Health Protection reports a severe influenza case involving a 10-year-old boy with no recent travel history. Officials note high flu activity and rising severe cases in children, urging vaccination and preventive measures.
The Centre for Health Protection of Hong Kong has reported a severe influenza case involving a 10-year-old boy with good past health. He developed fever, cough, runny nose and dizziness on 2 October, was taken to the Accident and Emergency Department of Prince of Wales Hospital on 4 October, and was admitted to the paediatric intensive care unit the same day. His respiratory sample tested positive for influenza A (H1) virus, and he was clinically diagnosed with influenza A complicated by shock. He remains in hospital in serious condition.
Preliminary investigations showed that the boy had no travel history during the incubation period and had not received the 2026/27 seasonal influenza vaccine. A household contact recently had mild fever and upper respiratory symptoms but has since recovered. The centre continues to investigate the case.
Hong Kong entered its flu season in late June, with overall influenza activity remaining at a high level. Since late June, 22 severe influenza cases in children have been recorded: 16 discharged, two in stable condition, two in serious condition, one in critical condition, and one death. Widespread community transmission has led to a significant increase in infections and severe cases. Since schools reopened in September, nearly 350 influenza-like illness outbreaks in schools have been reported, affecting over 2,000 people.
The 2026/27 seasonal influenza vaccination programme began on 17 September, including the School Outreach Programme. This year, a new electronic consent form via the eHealth app has been introduced to simplify procedures for healthcare providers and schools, allowing outreach activities to start earlier. About 100 schools have held outreach activities so far, a significant increase year-on-year. The outreach programme is expected to be completed by mid-December, about two weeks earlier than last year. The centre urged schools and parents to cooperate and complete consent procedures early.
The centre reminded parents that children's condition can deteriorate rapidly. Parents should seek emergency care immediately if symptoms worsen, such as shortness of breath, wheezing, blue lips, chest pain, confusion, persistent fever or convulsions. People with respiratory symptoms should seek medical attention promptly and wear surgical masks at home if living with high-risk groups such as children, elderly or those with chronic conditions. Other preventive measures include maintaining household hygiene, cleaning frequently touched surfaces, hand hygiene and ensuring indoor ventilation.
