29th October 2026 – (Hong Kong) The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health reported a severe paediatric influenza case and appealed to the public not to underestimate flu risks, urging timely vaccination, especially for high‑risk groups, and constant attention to personal and environmental hygiene to curb respiratory infections.
The case involves a previously healthy 14‑month‑old girl who developed fever and cough on 26th October. She experienced convulsions on 27th October and was taken to the accident and emergency department at Tseung Kwan O Hospital before being transferred to United Christian Hospital, where she was admitted for treatment and then moved to the paediatric intensive care unit the same day as her condition deteriorated. Laboratory testing of respiratory samples confirmed influenza A (H1). Clinicians diagnosed influenza A complicated by acute necrotising encephalopathy and multiple organ failure. She remains in a critical condition. The hospitals were identified in English as Tseung Kwan O Hospital and United Christian Hospital.
A preliminary investigation indicated the child had no travel history during the incubation period and had not received a seasonal influenza vaccine. One household contact recently showed mild upper respiratory symptoms, did not require hospital admission and has recovered. The Centre for Health Protection said inquiries are continuing.
Dr Edwin Tsui Lok‑kin, Director of the Centre for Health Protection, noted that Hong Kong entered the influenza season in late June and, although overall activity from 18th to 24th October showed signs of easing, it remains above baseline. He said 27 severe paediatric influenza cases have been recorded this season, with 20 patients discharged after recovery, two in stable condition, three in critical condition and two deaths. Recent surveillance updates also show influenza activity has stayed relatively elevated through October.
Dr Tsui reminded the public that vaccine effectiveness wanes over about nine months and the World Health Organization recommends annual vaccination. With most residents now more than nine months on from their previous 2025/26 dose, overall community immunity has declined, while the prolonged intensity of this season heightens the risk of infection and severe outcomes among vulnerable groups. People who contracted influenza this season but have not yet been vaccinated should still get the jab to guard against other circulating strains. Apart from known medical contraindications, everyone aged six months or above is advised to receive the seasonal vaccine.
Analysis of the previous season’s data indicated that, among children, those who were unvaccinated had around five times the risk of severe complications or death after influenza infection compared with vaccinated peers. In residential care homes, unvaccinated residents aged 65 or above had about four times the risk of severe disease compared with vaccinated residents, underscoring the protective effect of vaccination for high‑risk populations.
The 2026/27 Seasonal Influenza Vaccination Programme commenced on 17th September. This season’s School Outreach Programme includes a new electronic consent function via the eHealth system to streamline administration and enable earlier outreach. Around 1,460 schools have already held outreach sessions, with completion expected by mid‑December, roughly two weeks ahead of last year’s schedule. (info.gov.hk)
Parents and carers are advised to monitor children with influenza closely, as deterioration can be rapid. Warning signs that require immediate attendance at an accident and emergency department include fast breathing, wheezing, bluish lips, chest pain, confusion, persistent fever or convulsions. Anyone with respiratory symptoms should seek prompt medical advice. Those living with high‑risk individuals such as children, older people, or those with chronic illness or compromised immunity should wear a surgical mask at home to reduce transmission. Other effective measures include keeping the home clean, regularly disinfecting frequently touched surfaces, observing hand hygiene and maintaining good indoor ventilation.