************************************************************
Upon the announcement of a confirmed human case of influenza A (H9N2) infection by the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) today (March 20), the Hospital Authority issued the following statement:
The Hospital Authority is very concerned about the case. A special meeting of the authority's Central Committee on Infectious Disease (CCID) was held this afternoon (March 20). During the meeting, experts in infectious diseases, microbiology, pathology, paediatrics, family medicine, accident & emergency services discussed and reviewed in detail the case, the related risk assessment and existing infection control measures. It was noted that public hospitals would step up the surveillance of cases with flu-like symptoms, while the current Alert Level would be maintained.
In view of the current peak in seasonal influenza, the authority will remind public hospitals to remain vigilant and to stringently adhere to infection control measures. Furthermore, the authority is maintaining close contact with the CHP to monitor and update on the latest development. People are also reminded to stay alert on personal hygiene and avoid direct contact with live poultry.
The baby girl concerned is now being monitored and treated under isolation at Princess Margaret Hospital with mild symptoms of running nose and normal body temperature. Her condition is stable. United Christian Hospital, at which the baby girl was admitted to earlier, will conduct a review with all health care workers who have been in close contact with the patient for medical surveillance.
Ends/Tuesday, March 20, 2007
Issued at HKT 18:49
NNNN
