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The following is jointly issued by the Department of Health and the Hospital Authority:
As at 1 pm today (April 4), an additional 27 patients with symptoms of atypical pneumonia were admitted to public hospitals. They include five healthcare workers and eight patients from Amoy Gardens. The remaining 14 were new patients and contacts of patients with atypical pneumonia.
A total of 99 patients have recovered from atypical pneumonia and have been discharged from public hospitals. Of them, one was discharged today.
Most of the patients currently in hospital are showing positive responses to the new treatment protocol. 103 patients are receiving treatment in intensive care unit.
The cumulative figure for patients who have been admitted to public hospitals with atypical pneumonia since March 12 is as follows:
| Nature | Total Admission (The numbers in bracket are those with pneumonia symptoms) |
Total No. of Discharged Patients | Total No. of Deaths * |
| Health care workers of Hospitals/Clinics and medical students | 182 (182) | 53 | 17 |
| Patients, family members & visitors | 579 (579) | 46 | |
| Total | 761 (761) | 99 |
| * | Most of the deaths occurred in individuals who have a history of chronic diseases, or were patients who sought treatment at a relatively late stage of infection. |
With the approach of Ching Ming Festival, the Department of Health called on grave-sweepers to maintain good personal and environmental hygiene to prevent atypical pneumonia. They should avoid touching the eyes, nose and mouth, and if necessary, wash hands before touching them. Wearing facemask properly also offers satisfactory protection against respiratory tract infections. They should also avoid visiting crowded places and using public transports that are poorly ventilated.
End/Friday, April 4, 2003
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