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Regarding a medical ward in Prince of Wales Hospital (PWH) in which there were several patients and staff members presented with upper respiratory infection symptoms and fever earlier, the hospital announced the following updates today (September 13):
Two more female patients (aged 77 and 82) of the same ward presented with upper respiratory infection symptoms and fever. Since September 7, four patients and seven staff members of a medical ward presented with upper respiratory infection symptoms and fever. The patients are being treated under isolation and clinically stable. The staff members are now on sick leave. Influenza A tests are positive for four patients and five 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 cleansing and disinfection have been carried out in the ward.
The cases have been reported to the Centre for Health Protection for follow up.
Ends/Wednesday, September 13, 2006
Issued at HKT 18:40
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