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Public hospitals to heighten vigilance for avian influenza
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The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

    Following the Government announcement today (June 11) that more samples taken from local poultry stalls were tested positive of H5N1 avian influenza, the Hospital Authority (HA) reiterated the implementation of a number of enhanced measures under the current Serious Response Level in public hospitals, while all frontline staff have been reminded again to stay vigilant for avian influenza.

    The HA spokesman said hospital staff at Accident & Emergency Departments and general outpatient clinics was reminded to be vigilant to patients especially those who work in or have visited poultry markets, and have close contact with poultry or wild bird.  Triage assessment and appropriate segregation at waiting areas would be arranged for high risk patients.

    ˇ§The Centre for Health Protection will implement medical surveillance for the exposed workers from the poultry markets.  Referral for admission will be directed to the HA Infectious Disease Center at Princess Margaret Hospital, which is ready to receive the first batch of human cases of avian influenza for isolated treatment.ˇ¨

    ˇ§Furthermore, to enhance the laboratory support for conducting rapid tests for symptomatic patients, our laboratory network will be ready to provide extended service together with the Public Health Laboratory Centre of the Department of Health.  The laboratory network includes Princess Margaret Hospital, Prince of Wales Hospital, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Queen Mary Hospital, and Tuen Mun Hospital.ˇ¨

    ˇ§To meet the infection control requirements at public hospitals, visiting hours for acute wards are not more than two hours per day and not more than two visitors at a time, while that for convalescent hospitals are not more than six hours per day and not more than two visitors at a time.  Hospital Infection Control Teams will re-assess and make necessary arrangements to facilitate voluntary services in the hospitals.ˇ¨

    Public are also reminded of the current infection control measures under the Serious Response Level, including the implementation of hand hygiene; visitors and patients with respiratory symptoms are required to put on surgical masks in hospitals and clinics.

    The HA will continue to closely liaise and co-operate with the Centre for Health Protection to keep the general public and professionals posted of the most updated situation and relevant information.

Ends/Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Issued at HKT 19:30

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