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The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:
In response to the cases of gastrointestinal mucormycosis found at Queen Mary Hospital (QMH), the spokesperson of the hospital today (February 18) gave the following updates:
This afternoon an intestinal mucormycosis is just found in one of a total of approximately 20 body fluid samples of a deceased 42-year old female lymphoma patient. Patient was admitted for chemotherapy.
At present, there are five affected cases under treatment. The paediatric patient is recovering. The two symptomatic adult patients are under critical conditions. One is due to his terminal cancer and the other one is due to the complications developed after the Bone Marrow Transplant. The condition of two other asymptomatic adult Bone Marrow Transplant patients is stable. QMH will continue the surveillance on patients with immunosuppressed due to leukaemia/lymphoma and the chemotherapy.
QMH understands the Bone Marrow Transplant patientsˇ¦ concern for the resumption of new admissions to our bone marrow transplant unit. However, the hospital has to ensure the patient safety and service quality.
Mucormycosis is a rare disease due to Murorales. These fungal spores are ubiquitously found in environment, food and wooden material. Most patients who developed this disease are very immunosuppressed due to leukaemia/lymphoma and the chemotherapy.
Extensive investigation indicates pre-packed food is the most likely source in the affected patients. Education and instruction to patients on safe food and drinks have been strengthened. No more pre-packed foods are provided for the leukaemia/lymphoma and the chemotherapy patients.
The Centre for Health Protection and Hospital Authority Head Office are informed.
Ends/Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Issued at HKT 22:57
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