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The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:
Following the announcement of Queen Mary Hospital (QMH) earlier this week on a cluster of invasive intestinal mucormycosis in immuno-compromised leukaemia patients in the last four months, the Hospital Authority (HA) is very concerned and convened a special meeting today (Friday, February 13) with experts in haematology, clinical oncology and microbiology to discuss the issues and follow up measures.
"HA is now collecting further data on cases with gastrointestinal mucormycoisis. Results will be cross-checked with concerned hospitals before passing them to Centre for Health Protection," said the HA spokesman.
As at today, two cases were identified in preliminary reports from the Hospital Infection Control Officers of two public hospitals. The one from United Christian Hospital was already announced yesterday (Thursday). Another one was identified in Princess Margaret Hospital. In November 2007, a patient (male, aged 64) with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), was confirmed by positive culture and histology. He was admitted to PMH for treatment on 22 October 2007 and passed away on 21 November 2007.
Meanwhile, in all public hospitals, all leukaemia, lymphoma and bone marrow transplant patients are considered as extremely immuno-compromised patients and following precautions would be adopted with immediate effect:
- All food items should be boiled before consumption for hospitalised leukemia, lymphoma and bone marrow transplant patients;
- Sterilised wooden tongue depressors and wooden chopsticks should be used on patients of leukemia, lymphoma and bone marrow transplant.
"Beginning on 17 February 2009, HA will commence a two-week surveillance. Stool samples from in-patients of leukemia or lymophoma or bone marrow transplant will be collected for culture."
"HA will form an expert panel to advise on treatment of mucormycosis for severely immuno-compromised patients," added the spokesman.
Ends/Friday, February 13, 2009
Issued at HKT 20:14
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