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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 (HSI) patients admitted to public hospitals, the Hospital Authority (HA) spokesman provided the following updates today (July 19):
The Designated Flu Clinics today (as at 5pm) provide treatment to a total of 348 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 66 newly confirmed cases of human swine influenza in the past 24 hours. This brings to 1,810 the total number of confirmed human swine influenza cases in Hong Kong. Currently, a total of 33 confirmed cases are staying in public hospitals for treatment. Among them, 26 cases are in stable condition, two in serious and five in critical condition.
The newly confirmed critical case announced today was a patient of Tuen Mun Hospital (TMH). The 51-year-old male patient attended the Accident & Emergency Department of TMH on July 17 due to cough and shortness of breath. The initial diagnosis of the patient is acute pulmonary oedema. The patient was immediately admitted to a medical ward for further treatment.
The patient was transferred to Intensive Care Unit on July 18 due to change in condition. Respiratory sample of the patient was taken for laboratory test on influenza. The CHP confirmed the positive result of human swine influenza test today. The patient is now under medication treatment of Tamiflu and antibiotics. He requires intubation and ventilatory support. The hospital will continue to closely monitor the condition of the patient.
Furthermore, the confirmed cases announced today included two female nurses of Bradbury Hospice and Shatin Hospital. Both are isolated at home and one of them is under Tamiflu treatment. Their condition is stable.
Ends/Sunday, July 19, 2009
Issued at HKT 19:19
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