CHP records case of severe paediatric influenza infection
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (October 31) recorded a severe case of paediatric influenza infection. The CHP urged the public,especially those in high-risk groups, not to underestimate the seasonal influenza and to receive vaccinations as early as possible. This is crucial for preventing severe cases of seasonal influenza and its complications, as well as protecting one’s own health and that of their families. In addition, the public should maintain good personal and environmental hygiene at all times to prevent influenza and other respiratory illnesses.
The case involves a seven-year-old girl with underlying illness. She developed a runny nose, diarrhoea and abdominal pain on October 29. On October 30, she had a fever and convulsion and was brought to the Accident and Emergency Department of Tuen Mun Hospital. Her condition subsequently deteriorated and she was transferred to the hospital’s paediatric intensive care unit for further treatment. Her respiratory specimen tested positive for influenza A (H1) virus. Her clinical diagnosis was influenza A infection complicated with septic shock. The patient is currently in critical condition.
The CHP’s preliminary investigation revealed that the girl had no travel history during the incubation period and had not received the 2026/27 Seasonal Influenza Vaccination (SIV). Her household contacts have remained asymptomatic recently. Three of her classmates have recently developed mild flu-like symptoms without the need for hospitalisation. The CHP has advised the school to implement appropriate infection control measures and will continue to investigate the case.
“Hong Kong entered the influenza season in late June this year and the influenza season has lasted for four months by now. The latest surveillance data showed that the overall influenza activity showed signs of decline but remained above the baseline level. A cumulative total of 28 cases of severe paediatric influenza infection have been recorded in the current influenza season. Among these cases, 20 patients have recovered and been discharged from hospital, two are in stable condition, four are in critical condition and two have passed away,” said the Controller of the CHP, Dr Edwin Tsui.
“Vaccine effectiveness begins to wane approximately nine months after vaccination. Therefore, the World Health Organization recommends receiving SIV every year. For most people, more than nine months have passed since they received last season’s (2025/26) SIV. Hence, a decline in protection is inevitable. A decline in the overall population’s herd immunity, coupled with the fact that the current influenza season has persisted at high levels for an extended period, has increased the likelihood of infection and severe complications among high-risk groups. Individuals who have contracted influenza earlier this influenza season but have not yet received the SIV should also get vaccinated promptly to protect against other circulating virus strains. Receiving SIV is the most effective way to prevent severe cases of seasonal influenza and its complications. SIV also reduces the risk of hospitalisation and death. Therefore, all people aged six months or above, except those with known contraindications, should receive SIV for personal protection as early as possible,” he added.
The CHP’s analysis of data from the previous year revealed that the rate of severe complications or death among unvaccinated children following influenza infection was approximately five times higher than that among vaccinated children. Among unvaccinated residents aged 65 years or older living in residential care homes for the elderly, the rate of severe complications was approximately four times higher than that among vaccinated residents.
The 2026/27 SIV programmes, including the SIV School Outreach Programme (SIVSOP), commenced on September 17. The SIVSOP this year has introduced a new Electronic Consent Form (e-consent form) feature via eHealth. This new measure not only enables the public to join the SIV Programmes but also streamlines the administrative procedures for healthcare service providers and schools, so that SIV outreach activities can start as early as possible. About 1 600 schools have organised SIV outreach activities. SIV outreach activities are expected to be completed by mid-December, about two weeks earlier than last year.
The health condition of children with influenza can deteriorate rapidly. Parents must pay close attention to their condition and visit an accident and emergency department immediately if the child’s condition deteriorates with symptoms such as shortness of breath, wheezing, blue lips, chest pain, confusion, a persistent fever or convulsions. Members of the public should seek medical attention as soon as possible if they develop respiratory symptoms. If they live with members of high-risk groups, such as children, the elderly and those with underlying illnesses or compromised immune systems, they should wear a surgical mask at home to reduce the risk of infecting them. Other effective ways to reduce the spread of the disease include maintaining household hygiene, frequently cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces, practising good hand hygiene, and ensuring proper indoor air circulation.
Members of the public may refer to the CHP’sCOVID-19 & Flu Express,Seasonal Influenza WebpageandVaccination Schemesfor the latest information.
Source: AI-found images
Hong Kong Legal Week 2026 to commence on Monday
Hong Kong Legal Week 2026, an annual flagship event of the legal sector and the Department of Justice (DoJ), with the theme “Collaboration & Innovation: Legal Synergy for a Shared Future”, will be held for five days starting from Monday (November 2). The event will bring together legal professionals, business leaders, policymakers, academics, and leading international legal organisations from around the world to explore important topics including international legal co-operation, international dispute resolution, foreign-related rule of law, lawtech and opportunities in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.
Co-organised by the International Institute for the Unification of Private Law (UNIDROIT) and the DoJ, the UNIDROIT Centenary: Regional Conference for the Asia-Pacific and Opening Ceremony of the Asia-Pacific Liaison Office will take place on Monday to mark the official commencement of Hong Kong Legal Week 2026. The UNIDROIT Asia-Pacific Liaison Office is UNIDROIT’s first office outside its seat in Rome in its 100 years of history. This marks a significant milestone for Hong Kong’s development as a legal hub, further strengthening Hong Kong’s position as a leading international legal hub. The 3rd Asia-Pacific International Private Law Summit, themed “Advancing Future-Ready Legal Infrastructure to Foster Digital Innovation, Sustainable Growth, and Regional Connectivity in the Asia-Pacific”, will be held on Tuesday (November 3).
In celebration of the 60th anniversary of the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL), the UNCITRAL’s Contribution to the International Transport of Goods in the Digital Economy – A Celebration of UNCITRAL@60 at Hong Kong Legal Week will be held on Wednesday (November 4).
As one of the highlights of this year’s Hong Kong Legal Week, the Hong Kong LawTech Fest will feature dynamic exhibitions, live demonstrations and the hosting of the LawTech Forum on the fourth day of the event (November 5), fostering collaboration between legal and technology professionals. On the morning of the same day, with the support from the Legal Affairs Department of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the Fourth Legal Forum on Interconnectivity and Development, co-organised by the DoJ and the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, will focus on Hong Kong’s role as an all-round international dispute resolution hub and its position in the country’s development of foreign-related rule of law. Closing the event on a high note, the Second Guangdong – Hong Kong – Macao Greater Bay Area Lawyers Forum will echo last year’s resounding success to advance the “soft connectivity” of legal and dispute resolution practices in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.
A series of important events to be featured at Hong Kong Legal Week 2026 are as below:
November 2
* UNIDROIT Centenary: Regional Conference for the Asia-Pacific and Opening Ceremony of the Asia-Pacific Liaison Office
November 3
* 3rd Asia-Pacific International Private Law Summit
November 4
* UNCITRAL’s Contribution to the International Transport of Goods in the Digital Economy – A Celebration of UNCITRAL@60 at Hong Kong Legal Week
November 5
* The Fourth Legal Forum on Interconnectivity and Development
* LawTech Forum
* Hong Kong Mediation Lecture 2026
November 6
* The Second Guangdong – Hong Kong – Macao Greater Bay Area Lawyers Forum
For more details of Hong Kong Legal Week 2026, please visit the dedicated website at www.legalweek.hk. A live broadcast will be available on the dedicated website and at webcast.info.gov.hk. For event details of the Hong Kong LawTech Fest, please visit the thematic website.
Source: AI-found images
