Another toddler hospitalized because of influenza A infection

An 18-month-old boy has been hospitalised in serious condition after coming down with influenza A with complications including encephalopathy and septic shock.

The boy, with good past health, developed a fever, runny nose and cough on Saturday and was taken to a private clinic on the following day.

He developed convulsion at home that same day, and was taken immediately to the Accident and Emergency Department of Queen Elizabeth Hospital.

Upon examination, he was found to have low blood pressure, and was admitted to the paediatric intensive care unit.

The boy had no travel history during the incubation period and had not received the seasonal flu jab during the previous season.

One of his household contacts recently developed a mild fever and upper respiratory symptoms. The household contact has since recovered.

The Centre for Health Protection says as Hong Kong entered the flu season in late June, the city has so far logged eight cases of severe paediatric influenza infection.