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The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:
Regarding an earlier announcement that nine patients in a male psychiatric ward of Tai Po Hospital (TPH) have presented with symptoms of skin abscess, a hospital spokesperson gave the following update today (December 19).
There are four more patients from the concerned ward who have presented with symptoms of skin abscess and test results are positive to Streptococcus Pyogenes. They are now being treated under isolation and are in stable condition. The test results of 11 patients in the concerned ward have been confirmed positive to Streptococcus Pyogenes.
Admission and visiting to the ward concerned will continue to be suspended. Infection control measures have also been stepped up and all patients are under close surveillance.
The TPH Infection Control Team has reported the case to the Hospital Authority and the Centre for Health Protection.
Ends/Friday, December 19, 2008
Issued at HKT 18:27
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