Hong Kong's Centre for Health Protection (CHP) reported another severe paediatric influenza A infection case on August 12. The patient, a 17-month-old girl with good past health, developed fever and cough on August 9 and was taken to a private clinic the next day. Her condition worsened that day with shortness of breath, and she was admitted to Queen Elizabeth Hospital's paediatric intensive care unit with respiratory distress and low blood pressure. Her specimen tested positive for influenza A, with a clinical diagnosis of infection complicated by severe pneumonia and septic shock. She remained hospitalised in critical condition. The CHP's preliminary investigation found she had not received the seasonal influenza vaccination in the previous 2025/26 season, and her household contacts remained asymptomatic.

Since Hong Kong entered the influenza season in late June, a cumulative total of nine severe paediatric influenza infection cases have been recorded. Apart from one fatal case, three patients had recovered and been discharged, one was in stable condition, two were in serious condition and two were in critical condition, including the case above. The CHP said influenza activity was rising, with high transmission in the community.

The Government said it had completed procurement for the 2026/27 Seasonal Influenza Vaccination Programmes. The school outreach programme will introduce an electronic consent form; school-specific QR codes were to be distributed from August 12 and become effective on August 17, when parents could begin completing the forms. The CHP also advised seeking emergency care if a child's condition deteriorates.