CHP: 9yo girl contracts flu B in critical condition

A 9-year-old girl who has come down with influenza B has suffered from complications including septic shock and severe pneumonia.

Now in critical condition, the girl is hospitalised at Queen Elizabeth Hospital.

Having a chronic illness, the patient developed a fever on Wednesday, with coughs and vomiting the next day.

The girl sought treatment at a private clinic before being taken to the hospital's A&E department.

The Centre for Health Protection says the girl did not travel during the incubation period and has not yet received this year's seasonal flu vaccine.

Two household contacts recently developed mild fever and upper respiratory symptoms but have now recovered.

Hong Kong entered flu season at the end of June with 21 severe cases of flu infection among children so far, including one fatality.