Hong Kong Records 12 Severe Paediatric Influenza Cases, Including One Fatal Case

Strategic Insights -

Hong Kong is currently in the summer influenza season, with a significant increase in influenza-like illness outbreaks in schools since September. The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) has recorded 12 severe paediatric influenza cases, including one fatal case, since the start of the school year. The cases involve children aged 2 to 17, with nine of them having good past health. The CHP is urging schools and parents to arrange for schoolchildren to receive free seasonal influenza vaccination (SIV) to prevent seasonal influenza and its complications.

Key Takeaways:

  • The CHP has recorded 12 severe paediatric influenza cases, including one fatal case, since the start of the school year.
  • 587 influenza-like illness outbreaks have been reported in schools since September, including 62 cases in kindergartens/child care centres, 315 cases in primary schools and 210 cases in secondary schools.
  • 9 out of 12 severe cases had good past health.
  • The 2025/26 SIV Programmes have commenced, offering free or subsidised SIV to eligible high-risk groups through various vaccination programmes.
  • All schools may choose to use the live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV nasal vaccines) and "hybrid mode" this year.
  • 29 Maternal and Child Health Centres (MCHCs) have been opened for all children aged 6 months to under 2 years.
  • District Health Centres, Family Medicine Clinics, and public hospitals have also been designated as vaccination venues.
  • Parents of eligible children can book appointments online for vaccinations at designated MCHCs.
  • High-risk individuals are reminded to wear surgical masks when staying in crowded places.

Statistics:

  • 12 severe paediatric influenza cases recorded since the start of the school year, including 1 fatal case.
  • 587 influenza-like illness outbreaks reported in schools since September.
  • 9 out of 12 severe cases had good past health.
  • 62 influenza-like illness outbreaks reported in kindergartens/child care centres since September.
  • 315 influenza-like illness outbreaks reported in primary schools since September.
  • 210 influenza-like illness outbreaks reported in secondary schools since September.

Sources:

  • Hong Kong SAR Government. (Oct. 21). Following yesterday's (October 20) announcement of a case of severe paediatric influenza A infection, the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (October 21) recorded another severe case.
  • Hong Kong SAR Government. (Oct. 21). The CHP reiterated its appeal to schools and parents to arrange for schoolchildren to receive free seasonal influenza vaccination (SIV), as it is one of the most effective ways to prevent seasonal influenza and its complications.