Hong Kong's Centre for Health Protection reported on October 29 a severe case of paediatric influenza infection involving a 14-month-old girl with good past health. She developed fever and cough on October 26, had a convulsion the next day and was taken to Tseung Kwan O Hospital, then transferred to the paediatric intensive care unit of United Christian Hospital as her condition worsened. Her respiratory specimen tested positive for influenza A (H1). The clinical diagnosis was influenza A infection complicated by acute necrotising encephalopathy and multi-organ failure; she was in critical condition. Preliminary investigation found no travel history during the incubation period and no seasonal influenza vaccination. A close contact recently had mild upper respiratory symptoms, did not require hospitalisation and recovered.

The CHP's Controller, Dr Edwin Tsui, said Hong Kong entered the influenza season in late June and it had lasted four months. Over October 18 to 24, overall influenza activity showed signs of decline but remained above baseline thresholds. A cumulative total of 27 severe paediatric influenza cases had been recorded that season: 20 patients recovered and were discharged, two were stable, three were critical and two had died.

The CHP said 2026/27 seasonal influenza vaccination programmes, including the school outreach programme, began on September 17. About 1,460 schools had organised outreach activities, expected to be completed by mid-December, about two weeks earlier than last year.