CHP detects severe influenza and pneumococcal co-infection case in unvaccinated child

The Centre for Health Protection received a notification on Friday of a severe pediatric case of co-infection with influenza A and invasive pneumococcal disease in a young child who has not yet received the seasonal influenza vaccination. It urged the public who have not yet received the flu jab to act immediately to minimize the risk of serious complications and death after infection.

According to the CHP, the four-year-old boy with a history of good health developed high fever, cough and abdominal pain last week. He sought medical attention at the general outpatient clinic of a private hospital on January 5 and consulted a private doctor on January 7 before being admitted to Canossa Hospital on the same day. 

His blood sample was tested positive for Streptococcus pneumoniae. He was transferred to the pediatric intensive care unit of Queen Mary Hospital for treatment on January 8. His nasopharyngeal swab specimen was tested positive for influenza A (H1) virus upon laboratory testing.

“The clinical diagnosis was co-infection with influenza A and severe invasive pneumococcal disease complicated by pneumonia. He remains hospitalized in a serious condition," a spokesman for the CHP said.

The boy had no travel history during the incubation period. His household contacts are currently asymptomatic so far.

Initial investigation revealed that the kindergarten where the boy was attending did not participate in the Seasonal Influenza Vaccination School Outreach Programme.

The CHP reiterated its call to the parents of those schools not participating in SIV outreach activities to bring their children to receive SIV as soon as possible.

"Influenza vaccination has been scientifically proven to be one of the most effective ways to prevent seasonal influenza and its complications, while significantly reducing the risk of hospitalization and death from seasonal influenza. All persons aged six months and above, except those with known contraindications, who have not yet received the seasonal influenza vaccination should act immediately, particularly the elderly and children who have higher risk of infection with influenza and other complications," the spokesman added.