Young Hong Kong girl dies after catching flu infection, the third such death this year
Nine-year-old is first child to die from influenza since the end of the winter flu season, but doctor says it is an isolated case
A nine-year-old Hong Kong girl with chronic illnesses died after contracting a flu infection, the first death among children in the city since the end of the peak winter flu season.
The Centre for Health Protection is investigating the case of the girl, who studied at SAHK Jockey Club Elaine Field School, an institution in Tai Po for children with physical disabilities.
She tested positive for influenza A virus, and was diagnosed with flu-associated encephalitis, an acute brain inflammation.
The Tai Po school the girl attended recently had an outbreak of influenza A infection. Twelve other pupils aged six to 17 and two school staff members had all developed fevers, coughs and sore throats since June 27. All sought medical attention and nine pupils were taken to hospital. They are now in a stable condition.
According to the school’s website, it began the summer holiday early on Monday due to the flu outbreak.
Health officers conducted a site visit to the school, which has been placed under medical surveillance.
During the winter flu season this year, the city recorded two similar deaths among children in January. The latest case was the third child death related to the flu infection recorded this year.