The Centre for Health Protection on Sunday said a 13-year-old girl has died due to a severe influenza B infection – the first fatal paediatric case this year.

She collapsed at home and was rushed to hospital last Thursday, after developing a fever, cough, sore throat and runny nose days before that.

“The 13-year-old patient's condition deteriorated today and unfortunately passed away,” the centre said.

It added: “This is the first fatal case of paediatric influenza infection in Hong Kong since June last year. Hong Kong is currently in the summer influenza season and there has been a significant increase in influenza-like illness outbreaks in schools since September.”

The centre stressed it is important for pupils to take part in the government programme for free seasonal flu jabs, as they are one of the most effective ways to prevent the flu and lowers the risk of death.