Another child in Hong Kong has died from influenza. The Department of Health, the Centre for Health Protection recently reported a serious case involving an 11-month-old boy who had contracted influenza A. The infant was hospitalized for over two weeks and unfortunately passed away today (Nov. 13) due to complications.
The boy had been hospitalized at Kwong Wah Hospital for an underlying condition and began showing symptoms of fever and cough on October 27, leading to his transfer to the hospital's pediatric intensive care unit. After testing his nasopharyngeal swab, he was confirmed positive for influenza A (H3), with a clinical diagnosis of severe pneumonia as a complication.
Dr. Edwin Tsui, director of the centre, noted that the infant had pre-existing health issues and this is the second case this year of a child dying from influenza. Including this case, there have been nine severe cases of influenza infection among children recorded since the seasonal influenza vaccination program began in September, with only one child having received this year's seasonal influenza vaccine prior to falling ill.
Tsui urged that in order to prevent similar unfortunate events, everyone aged six months and older, unless they have known contraindications, should get the seasonal flu vaccine immediately, especially high-risk groups such as children, the elderly, and adults with chronic illnesses or immunosuppression. Citizens can receive the seasonal flu vaccine through various government programs or contact their family doctors to arrange for vaccination, according to Tsui.
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