An unvaccinated Hong Kong teenage girl with underlying health issues is in a critical condition after contracting the flu, authorities have said.
The Centre for Health Protection said the 14-year-old special boarding school pupil suffered fever and discomfort on January 8. Two days later, she visited a private doctor.
The girl started experiencing difficulty speaking a week later and was admitted to Caritas Medical Centre in Cheung Sha Wan on January 17.
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She was then transferred to the paediatric intensive care unit of Princess Margaret Hospital in Kwai Chung after her condition worsened on Sunday.
The centre said she tested positive for influenza A (H1), with her infection complicated by brain encephalopathy.
Initial investigations showed that the girl, who has underlying illnesses and did not travel during the incubation period, had not received the seasonal flu vaccination this season.
A spokesman for the centre said no recent outbreaks were reported at her school, and her household members remained asymptomatic.
The centre renewed its calls for parents to get their children vaccinated promptly.
“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 hospitalisation and death from seasonal influenza,” it said.
Earlier this month, an unvaccinated four-year-old child was sent to intensive care with severe flu and a pneumococcal infection.
More from South China Morning Post:
- Hong Kong flu season expected to peak in February; 15 deaths confirmed
- All Hong Kong schools should be required to join flu vaccine scheme: expert
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