HK enters summer flu season with spike in school outbreaks

Hong Kong has officially entered its summer influenza season, with medical professionals reporting a marked increase in cases over the past two weeks.

Chan Pui Kwong of the Hong Kong Doctors Union, told a radio program Wednesday that private clinics have seen a rising trend in patients presenting with flu symptoms, with infections distributed evenly across all age groups.

Chan highlighted a key characteristic that distinguishes influenza from other upper respiratory tract infections: the rapid onset of high fever.

He noted that patients whose temperature escalates to 38 or 39 degrees Celsius within roughly half a day are likely infected with the flu virus.

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) echoed these concerns, reporting a significant rise in influenza-like illness outbreaks in schools.

The first week of the new semester last week saw 15 outbreaks affecting 202 individuals. This week, the situation has intensified sharply, with 24 outbreak clusters recorded in the first three days alone, impacting 276 students and staff.

Four of these outbreaks were particularly large-scale, each involving between 20 and 98 people.

The affected schools include:

PLK Tang Yuk Tien College in Tuen Mun, which reported the largest outbreak affecting 95 students and 3 staff members, totaling 98 people.

The primary school campus of Hong Kong International School in Repulse Bay, involving approximately 67 students and 4 teachers.

HKMA David Li Kwok Po College in Yau Ma Tei, with around 42 students affected.

Sam Shui Natives Association Huen King Wing School in Tai Po, involving about 20 students.

(Marco Lam)