HK seasonal influenza causes 126 deaths in 2015

Winter influenza has caused 126 deaths here since Jan. 2, 2015, according to a press release by the Center for Health Protection (CHP) of the Hong Kong Department of Health on Thursday.

Regarding severe cases, from Wednesday noon to Thursday noon, seven were dead among 11 recorded additional cases of influenza- associated admission to intensive care units or death among adults aged 18 or above, the release said, adding an additional death was recorded among previously reported cases.

So far there are 198 recorded severe cases of influenza, among which 126 were dead.

In the last winter season in early 2014, 266 severe cases were filed, and 133 deaths were recorded.

Meanwhile, no additional cases of severe pediatric influenza- associated complication among children aged under 18 have been reported since Wednesday via the ongoing reporting system. The total of pediatric cases this year hence remains at 11 with no deaths reported. In 2014, 27 pediatric cases were filed, in which four children were dead.

The CHP again urged the public to heighten vigilance and get vaccinated early against seasonal influenza.