Hong Kong's Centre for Health Protection (CHP) reported on November 2 a severe case of paediatric influenza infection involving a 7-year-old girl with good past health. She developed fever, cough and malaise on October 27, visited a private clinic, and was admitted to Kwong Wah Hospital on October 29 after symptoms persisted. Her respiratory specimen tested positive for influenza A (H1), and her diagnosis was influenza A infection complicated by severe pneumonia. She remains in serious condition.

The CHP's preliminary investigation found no travel history during the incubation period and that the girl had not received the seasonal influenza vaccination. A household contact who recently had fever and mild respiratory symptoms did not require hospitalisation and has recovered. The CHP said it will continue investigating.

Dr Edwin Tsui, Controller of the CHP, said Hong Kong entered its influenza season in late June and that the season has lasted four months. Surveillance shows influenza activity declining but still above baseline. A cumulative 29 severe paediatric influenza cases have been recorded this season: 20 patients discharged after recovery, two stable, one serious, four critical and two deceased. He noted that vaccine protection wanes about nine months after vaccination, and encouraged all people aged 6 months or above, barring known contraindications, to receive the seasonal influenza vaccination.