Third serious case in a week: 14-year-old boy in serious condition with influenza A infection complicated with shock

A 14-year-old boy infected with influenza A, along with complications with shock, marked the third severe pediatric influenza infection case this week. 

The Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health said the boy developed cough and headache on Tuesday (Nov 18), followed by a fever a day later. 

He was brought to the Accident and Emergency Department of Tseung Kwan O Hospital on Thursday (Nov 20). Due to hypotension, he was transferred to the pediatric intensive care unit of United Christian Hospital in serious condition. 

His nasopharyngeal swab specimen tested positive for influenza A (H3) virus upon laboratory testing. The clinical diagnosis was influenza A infection complicated with shock.

CHP said the boy had not yet received the seasonal influenza vaccination and had no recent travel history. 

Two of his household contacts developed mild respiratory symptoms recently, but did not require hospitalization and have recovered. 

No influenza outbreaks have been reported at his school recently.