Girl, 6, in intensive care amid flu outbreak which has killed 51 in Hong Kong

A six-year-old girl is in serious condition with flu amid a spike in severe cases of the virus in Hong Kong which has so far resulted in 51 deaths.

The girl, who has an underlying illness, was diagnosed with influenza A – a flu subtype associated with annual epidemics of the virus. She has had a fever, chills, a runny nose and cough since Saturday, the Centre for Health Protection said late on Monday.

The girl was noted to have lethargy on Sunday and taken to the accident and emergency department of Tseung Kwan O Hospital. She was then transferred to the paediatric intensive care unit of United Christian Hospital on the same day.

The girl has also been diagnosed with encephalitis, a spokesman for the CHP said. The acute inflammation of her brain is associated with the flu infection.

The girl had not travelled during the flu incubation period.

Three of her family members have developed symptoms of flu-like illness. They have sought medical attention.