CHP records three more severe paediatric flu cases

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) has reported three additional severe paediatric flu cases, all involving previously healthy children with no underlying conditions. The most critical case is that of a six-year-old girl, who is currently in intensive care at Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital after developing a fever, cough, and runny nose.

Two classmates of the girl also exhibited mild flu-like symptoms, though they did not require hospitalisation. A three-year-old girl and a 15-year-old boy are in serious condition, while all household contacts of the three patients remain asymptomatic. CHP Controller Edwin Tsui stated that flu activity has remained high since the summer influenza season started, with 16 severe paediatric cases recorded since the end of June, including one fatality and two other patients in critical condition.

Tsui cautioned that more outbreaks are anticipated following the start of the new academic year, urging parents and schools to maintain vigilance and continue preventive measures. The public is advised to get vaccinated once the annual Seasonal Influenza Vaccination Programmes commence on September 17.

Brief written by urgent.news from RTHK English's own syndicated text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.