Hong Kong's Centre for Health Protection (CHP) reported on October 19, 2026 a severe paediatric influenza infection involving a six-year-old girl with good past health. She developed fever, runny nose, vomiting and poor appetite on October 15 and was admitted to Tuen Mun Hospital, then transferred to its paediatric intensive care unit on October 17. Her respiratory specimen tested positive for influenza A (H1), and her clinical diagnosis was influenza A infection complicated with shock. She remained hospitalised in critical condition, the CHP said.

The CHP's preliminary investigation found no travel history during the incubation period and that she had not received the 2026/27 seasonal influenza vaccination. Her household contacts were asymptomatic. The CHP said Hong Kong entered its influenza season in late June and activity remained high, with influenza A (H1) predominant. Since the season began, 24 severe paediatric influenza cases had been recorded: 20 patients discharged after recovery, three in critical condition and one death.

Since the school year began in September, nearly 440 influenza-like illness outbreaks were recorded in schools, affecting about 2,700 people. The 2026/27 vaccination programmes began on September 17, and about 840 schools had organised outreach activities, with completion expected by mid-December.