Hong Kong health authorities are urging the public to get their Covid-19 vaccination jabs, following the infection of an infant, who is fighting for her life.
The Centre for Health Protection said on Monday that the 10-month-old girl previously had a record of good health but had developed a fever, runny nose, cough, sputum and hoarseness since Saturday.
The infant was admitted to Kwong Wah Hospital in Yau Ma Tei on Sunday after she was brought to the accident and emergency department. She was later diagnosed with a Covid-19 infection that had been complicated by croup.
The centre said she was admitted to the paediatric intensive care unit when her symptoms worsened.
She was listed as being in a critical condition on Monday.
The centre said the girl had not received a Covid-19 vaccine and had no travel history during the virus’ incubation period. One of her home contacts had also presented with symptoms but later recovered.
Health officials reminded those considered to be at high risk to get vaccinated as soon as possible and to adopt additional hygiene measures.
“Parents are also reminded to arrange Covid-19 vaccinations for their babies aged six months or above in order to reduce the risk of severe cases and fatalities,” a spokesman for the centre said.
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Those considered to be in high-risk priority groups are recommended to receive a vaccine shot at least six months after their last jab or infection, regardless of how many doses they had previously received.
The public should maintain strict personal and environmental hygiene at all times, the centre said.
Surgical masks could prevent the transmission of respiratory viruses by sick people, it noted, adding it was essential for symptomatic individuals, even those with mild symptoms, to wear the face coverings.
