The Health Bureau (SSM) announced in a statement yesterday that a 55-year-old local man with chronic diseases is in a critical condition caused by influenza A.
According to the statement, the patient developed a fever last Sunday and sought medical attention at the public Conde de S. Januário Hospital Centre for respiratory symptoms on Wednesday including fever, runny nose, and sore throat.
The statement noted that he tested positive for Influenza A that same day, adding that his condition deteriorated on Friday with the onset of breathing difficulties and chest pain, leading to another hospital visit and observation in the emergency department.
On Saturday, he developed pneumonia, was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), and yesterday still required ventilator support, the statement said, adding that his condition was serious.
The statement pointed out that the patient, who lives alone, had received this season’s influenza vaccination earlier this month.
Cluster of flu-like illness
Meanwhile, according to an SSM statement yesterday, a cluster of an influenza-like illness at the Lar de Nossa Sra. da Penha, a children’s centre, on Estrada D. João Paulino (西望洋鮑公馬路), involving four residents (two males and two females).
The statement added that the patients began showing symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection, such as fever, cough, and runny nose on Tuesday. All have sought medical care, and their conditions are described as mild with no severe complications, the statement said.
According to rapid testing, two of the patients were confirmed to have contracted Influenza A and one Influenza B.
The statement added that the centre has implemented enhanced cleaning, disinfection, and ventilation measures.
This poster downloaded from the website of Hong Kong’s Centre for Health Protection (CHP) yesterday gives advice on preventing the flu.
