Ten new severe adult influenza cases including seven deaths were reported from noon yesterday to noon today, Centre for Health Protection Controller Dr Leung Ting-hung has announced.
This brings the total number to 266 (181 deaths) so far. Apart from the seven deaths among newly reported cases, there was one additional death in the past 24 hours among previously reported cases requiring intensive care unit admission. Among all cases, 256 were A(H3N2), six were B and four were A pending subtype. In the last winter season in early 2014, 266 (133 deaths) were filed.
Meanwhile, no additional case of severe paediatric influenza-associated complication or death among children aged under 18 has been reported since yesterday via the ongoing reporting system. The total number of cases this year remains at 14 (no deaths). Among these cases, 13 were A(H3N2) and one was A pending subtype. In 2014, 27 (four deaths) were filed.
Briefing the media this afternoon, Dr Leung said flu activity remained at a high level and it is expected to remain that way for some time.
He urged people stay vigilant and pay attention to personal hygiene in a collective effort to slow down the spread of the disease and shorten the flu season.