Hong Kong health officials confirmed a worrying case of severe pediatric influenza involving a six-month-old girl this week, prompting intensified calls for the public, especially families, to receive the seasonal flu vaccination ahead of anticipated lower temperatures. The infant, who had pre-existing health issues and had not received the 2025/26 seasonal influenza vaccine, is currently battling complications including severe pneumonia and septic shock, highlighting the grave risk posed by the virus to vulnerable populations.
The young patient first developed a fever on November 29 and was initially taken to North District Hospital before being admitted to Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospital. Due to her deteriorating condition, she was then transferred to the pediatric intensive care unit at Princess Margaret Hospital. Laboratory tests subsequently confirmed an influenza A (H1) infection. She remains in serious condition. Health authorities noted that while two household contacts recently experienced mild respiratory discomfort, they did not require hospitalization. The infant had no recent travel history.
Alarming Trend in Pediatric Cases
This serious incident adds to an already concerning tally of severe pediatric influenza cases recorded during the current extended season. The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) reports that, including this infant, 24 severe pediatric flu cases have been logged this summer season, affecting children aged six months to 17 years. Three fatalities have been associated with these severe infections.
Significantly, since the launch of this year’s seasonal vaccination programs, 15 severe cases have been identified. According to the CHP, only one of these 15 patients had been vaccinated, and that occurred only four days prior to the onset of illness—a timeframe insufficient for the body to develop protective immunity, which typically requires approximately two weeks post-vaccination.
Low Uptake Among Young Children
While general influenza activity has slightly decreased since late October, the circulation levels remain above the established public health baseline and are expected to fluctuate, raising the potential for a winter surge early next year as cold weather arrives.
The CHP is urgently advocating for all residents aged six months and older, without medical contraindications, to get vaccinated immediately. Officials expressed particular concern over the low vaccination rate among the youngest population bracket; uptake among children aged six months to under two years currently sits at only around 18 percent.
Key Recommendations for Public Action:
- Prompt Vaccination: Parents should contact their family doctors to arrange influenza vaccination for their children, themselves, and other household members to establish a community shield.
- Early Medical Intervention: Individuals considered high-risk—including children, the elderly, and those with chronic illnesses—should seek medical attention immediately upon experiencing fever or respiratory symptoms.
- Vigilance for Deterioration: Parents must closely monitor sick children and proceed immediately to Accident and Emergency if they observe signs of clinical worsening, such as persistent high fever, shortness of breath, wheezing, confusion, chest pain, or convulsions.
- Infection Control: High-risk individuals should wear surgical masks in crowded environments. Anyone experiencing even mild respiratory symptoms should wear a mask, seek medical advice promptly, and consider avoiding work or school to prevent community spread.
The serious nature of this latest case underscores the crucial role of timely vaccination in preventing severe illness and death, especially among high-risk groups susceptible to complications like severe pneumonia and septic shock.