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The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:
Regarding earlier announcement that some patients in a male psychiatric ward of Tai Po Hospital (TPH) have presented with symptoms of skin abscess and whose test results have been confirmed positive to Streptococcus Pyogenes, the spokesperson of the Hospital gave the following update today (December 22).
Test results of three more patients from the concerned ward have been confirmed positive to Streptococcus Pyogenes. In addition, test result of a patient (aged 74) in another male psychiatric ward has also been confirmed positive to the bacteria. Up to now, the test results of 15 patients (aged between 20 to 76) in total in the psychiatric unit have been confirmed positive to the bacteria.
All patients are now being treated under isolation and in stable condition. Admission and visiting to the wards concerned would continue to be suspended. Infection control measures have 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/Monday, December 22, 2008
Issued at HKT 21:20
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