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The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:
Regarding earlier announcement that some patients of the male psychiatric wards 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 (23 December 2008).
Test result of one more patient (aged 36) has been confirmed positive to Streptococcus Pyogenes in the concerned ward. The patient is now being treated under isolation and in stable condition. Admission and visiting to the ward concerned would continue to be suspended. Up to now, the test results of 16 patients (aged between 20 to 76) in the psychiatric unit have been confirmed positive to the bacteria.
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/Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Issued at HKT 19:50
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