4th September 2026 – (Hong Kong) The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health has recorded a severe paediatric influenza A infection involving a 14‑year‑old girl with underlying conditions, and is urging the public to receive seasonal flu vaccinations as early as possible when the government’s programmes begin on 17th September. The patient developed fever, runny nose and cough on 2nd September and attended the Accident and Emergency Department at United Christian Hospital. Her condition worsened the following day, and she was transferred to the hospital’s paediatric intensive care unit. Laboratory testing of her respiratory specimen was positive for influenza A (H1), and clinicians diagnosed influenza A complicated by severe pneumonia and septic shock. She remains in hospital in a serious condition.
A preliminary CHP investigation found the girl had no travel history during the incubation period. Two household contacts who recently developed upper respiratory symptoms also tested positive for influenza A; both experienced mild illness and did not require hospital care.
Since Hong Kong entered the influenza season in late June, the CHP has recorded 13 cases of severe paediatric influenza infection. Of these, eight patients have recovered and been discharged, two are in stable condition, one is in serious condition, one is in critical condition and one has died. The Controller of the CHP, Dr Edwin Tsui, said influenza activity remains high, driven by sustained community transmission in recent months, and warned that the number of severe cases has risen accordingly. He cautioned that influenza activity is expected to stay elevated at the start of the new school year, with the possibility of outbreaks in schools, and called on school leaders and parents to remain vigilant and strengthen preventive measures.
The 2026/27 Seasonal Influenza Vaccination (SIV) Programmes, including the SIV School Outreach Programme (SIVSOP), will commence on 17th September. This year’s SIVSOP introduces a new Electronic Consent Form (e‑consent form) through eHealth. School‑specific QR codes have been issued to participating schools and are already active. Parents are encouraged to complete e‑consent forms for their children as soon as possible to facilitate early outreach sessions. According to the CHP, around 80 schools have so far scheduled SIV outreach activities in September, representing a 16‑fold increase compared with the same period last year. Dr Tsui appealed to schools and parents to work closely with the CHP to finalise consent promptly so that students can be vaccinated earlier.
Dr Tsui also reminded parents that children with influenza can deteriorate rapidly. They should monitor symptoms closely and seek urgent care at an accident and emergency department if there are warning signs such as shortness of breath, wheezing, blue lips, chest pain, confusion, persistent fever or convulsions. Members of the public who develop respiratory symptoms should seek medical advice promptly. Those living with high‑risk groups — including children, older people and individuals with underlying illnesses or weakened immune systems — should wear a surgical mask at home to reduce transmission risk. Other effective measures include maintaining household hygiene, frequently cleaning and disinfecting commonly touched surfaces, practising good hand hygiene and ensuring adequate indoor ventilation.