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A Prince of Wales Hospital spokesperson announced today (September 12) that since September 7, two female patients (aged 26 and 75) and seven staff members of a medical ward had presented with upper respiratory infection symptoms and fever. The patients are being treated under isolation and are clinically stable. The staff members are now on sick leave. Influenza A tests are positive for one patient and four staff members; all H5N1 test results are negative, thus ruling out the possibility of avian flu. The hospital will closely monitor their condition.
All other patients in the ward concerned are under close surveillance and there will be no admission and visiting to the ward. Infection control measures have already been enhanced. Thorough cleaning and disinfection have been carried out in the ward.
The cases have been reported to the Centre for Health Protection for follow up.
Ends/Tuesday, September 12, 2006
Issued at HKT 18:51
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