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The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:
Regarding the services of the eight Designated Flu Clinics (DFCs) and the confirmed human swine influenza patients admitted to public hospitals, the Hospital Authority (HA) spokesman provided the following updates today (July 12):
The Designated Flu Clinics today (as at 5pm) provide treatment to a total of 267 patients.
The HA spokesman reminded the public that the eight DFCs have ceased the provision of general outpatient services. Patients with other illnesses are advised to seek medical treatment at other general outpatient clinics in the district or private practitioners. Chronic patients who have been pre-scheduled for follow up at the eight DFCs should proceed to their corresponding clinics with drug refill service according to their date of original appointment and bring along the appointment slip and Identity Card.
As at 2.30pm today, there were 29 newly confirmed cases of human swine influenza in the past 24 hours. This brings to 1,265 the total number of confirmed human swine influenza cases in Hong Kong. Currently, a total of 15 confirmed cases are staying in public hospitals for treatment. Among of them, 14 cases are in stable condition and 1 case is in critical condition.
Among the confirmed cases was a female clerical staff in Kwong Wah Hospital; she had fever, running nose, sore throat, headache and cough and attended Yan Oi Designated Flu Clinic on July 10. She was given sick leave. Her laboratory test result done by Centre for Health Protection (CHP) confirmed positive of HSI yesterday (July 11). She is in satisfactory condition and there is no need for admission. Tamiflu has been prescribed for her treatment. She has been given sick leave until July 15 for home isolation.
Another confirmed case was a female administration staff in Tuen Mun Hospital; she developed flu symptoms on July 10. She attended the Tuen Mun Hospital Staff Clinic and took sick leave on the same day. Positive result of HSI was confirmed on July 11. She is now under isolation with paracetamol prescription at home. Her condition is stable.
Both two hospitals will continue to follow the HA Infection Control Guidelines and implement relevant hygiene measures in order to protect patients and staff.
Ends/Sunday, July 12, 2009
Issued at HKT 20:22
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