Details of the Case

A 13-year-old girl in Hong Kong died in hospital on Sunday, October 6, 2025, after contracting the influenza B virus. This marks the first paediatric flu-related death in Hong Kong for the current influenza season.

According to the Centre for Health Protection (CHP), the girl, who had no underlying health conditions, began experiencing symptoms – including fever, cough, sore throat, and a runny nose – on Sunday, September 29, 2025. Her condition progressively worsened throughout the week.

On Thursday, October 3, 2025, she collapsed at home and was initially admitted to Prince of Wales Hospital.She was later transferred to Hong Kong Children’s Hospital on the same day.

Laboratory tests confirmed an infection with influenza B virus via a nasopharyngeal swab, as reported by a CHP spokesperson.

Despite medical intervention, her condition continued to deteriorate, and she passed away on Sunday, October 6, 2025.

Vaccination status

The student, who attended TWGHs Wong Fung Ling College in Ma On shan, had received the seasonal influenza vaccination under the government’s 2024-2025 program. However, she had not yet received the influenza jab for the 2025-2026 season, wich had commenced prior to her infection, according to the CHP.