Infection Rates in Hong Kong Rise Amid China Epidemic

Children and their parents wait at an outpatient area at a children hospital in Beijing on Nov. 23, 2023. Jade Gao/AFP via Getty Images

The ongoing epidemic of respiratory illnesses in China, which has been continuous since its onset several years ago, is currently having an increasing impact on Hong Kong. The resurgence of COVID-19, alongside other pneumonia-inducing pathogens, has led to a surge in infection cases.

On Dec. 9, the Centre for Health Protection reported two critical cases involving children co-infected with the COVID-19 and H1N1 influenza viruses, both of whom are now receiving emergency care in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

Critical Pediatric Cases Emerge, Highlight Growing Concern

One of the critical patients is an 8-month-old girl who tested positive for COVID-19. Symptoms including fever, cough, runny nose, appetite loss, and breathing difficulties emerged on Dec. 5. Following a nasopharyngeal swab test confirmation, she was admitted to the ICU for urgent treatment and remains in critical condition.