The Health Bureau (SSM) announced in a statement yesterday night that a 76-year-old local man was in serious condition with influenza A.
According to the statement, the patient has a history of chronic illness and developed a cough with sputum on December 21. He sought medical attention at a healthcare facility, but the symptoms persisted, the statement said.
Last Saturday, the statement said that the patient experienced fever and dyspnoea (breathing discomfort), leading him to seek medical attention at the emergency department of the public Conde de São Januario Hospital Centre (CHCSJ).
According to the statement, the patient was diagnosed with influenza A complicated by pneumonia and acute respiratory failure, subsequently requiring hospitalisation and ventilator support. On Sunday, his condition deteriorated, necessitating transfer to the government’s Intensive Care Unit (ICU), the statement said.
The patient’s condition last night was serious, the statement said, added that the patient had not received the current seasonal influenza vaccine.
According to the statement, the influenza virus activity in Macau remains high, with the overall situation still at an elevated epidemic level. The Health Bureau urged the public to strengthen preventive measures. Those who have not yet received the influenza vaccine, particularly pregnant women, young children, the elderly, and individuals with chronic illnesses—who are more susceptible to severe complications or mortality upon infection—are advised to get vaccinated as soon as possible, the statement said.
Transmission electron micrograph of the influenza A virus. Photo courtesy of US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
