Flu Season Records 28 Severe Paediatric Cases and 2 Deaths as Scholars Study Virus Genes

The latest surveillance data show that overall influenza activity in Hong Kong has declined, but the influenza virus positivity rate remains above the baseline level. As of end-last month, 28 severe paediatric cases, including 2 deaths, had been recorded this flu season. An infectious disease scholar said that some children deteriorated faster after influenza infection this year than in previous years, and that research is being conducted with the University of Hong Kong to observe whether the virus genes have changed in any particular way.