The data from the Hong Kong Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health shows that the harsh influenza season is starting to slow; however, severe cases and fatalities are still being reported.
Health officials say last week, from March 22 to 28, 32 influenza-associated admission to intensive care units cases and 23 deaths were recorded. Separately, a daily average of 3.4 cases (2.4 deaths) were filed in the last seven days (from March 24 to 30).
This compares with last week of February when a daily average of eight cases (six deaths) were recorded.
Since the beginning of the year, health officials have reported 580 severe cases of influenza (primarily A(H3N2) influenza) and 437 deaths.
In the last winter season in early 2014, 266 cases (133 deaths) were filed.
Influenza (flu) is an acute illness of the respiratory tract caused by influenza viruses. In Hong Kong, it is usually more common in periods from January to March and from July to August.
