The Centre for Health Protection has confirmed a three-year-old girl who died on March 1 was infected with influenza A/H3, a normal circulating strain of seasonal flu, and tested negative for influenza A/H5.

The centre's Controller Dr Thomas Tsang said today her six-year-old sister, who has similar symptoms, was admitted to Tuen Mun Hospital on March 2 and has also tested positive for influenza A/H3.

The younger girl came down with a fever, cough, runny nose and vomiting on February 29 and saw a private doctor that day. She sought medical treatment from Tuen Mun Hospital on March 1. An X-ray showed her lungs were clear, but her condition deteriorated and she died that evening.

Dr Tsang said this was a rare occurrence and a post-mortem examination will be conducted today.

The six-year-old came down with similar symptoms on February 26 and saw a private doctor. She was sent to Tuen Mun Hospital on March 2 and is now stable. She does not have avian flu.

Dr Tsang said the parents and a brother did not have flu symptoms. The girls had not travelled outside Hong Kong recently, nor come into contact with poultry, and there was no unusual respiratory illnesses in their schools. Health education and flu-prevention measures have been stepped up in their schools.

Coroner probe

Hospital Authority New Territories West Cluster Service Director (Quality & Risk Management) Dr Chung Kin-lai expressed his condolences over the three-year-old girl's death, adding the Coroner's Court will investigate.

Noting her death may have a psychological impact on her sister in hospital, the authority has arranged counselling for her. The hospital also met with the deceased's family to explain the situation.

Dr Chung said healthcare workers handled the case and prescribed medicine based on the patients' clinical signs, adding the hospital has clear guidelines concerning infection-control measures.

He said the six-year-old girl's health will be closely monitored while support will be offered to her family when needed.

Noting the flu peak will continue for several weeks and the number of flu outbreaks in schools is on the rise, Dr Tsang called on the public to take precautions. For health tips click here.