************************************************************
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 21):
The Designated Flu Clinics today (as at 5pm) provide treatment to a total of 577 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 corresponding clinics with drug refill service according to their date of original appointment and bring along their appointment slip and identity card.
In the 24 hours to 2.30pm today, there were 78 newly confirmed cases of human swine influenza. This brings to 1,964 the total number of confirmed human swine influenza cases in Hong Kong. Currently, a total of 32 confirmed cases are staying in public hospitals for treatment. Among them, 26 cases are in stable condition, one in serious condition and five in critical condition.
The newly confirmed serious case announced today was a 50-year-old male patient of Tuen Mun Hospital. He is a smoker with chronic disease. He attended the Designated Flu Clinic on July 20 due to fever and flu symptoms. The patient was admitted to the isolation ward and is under treatment with Tamiflu and antibiotics. The hospital will continue to closely monitor the patient's condition.
Furthermore, the confirmed cases announced today included a female nurse of United Christian Hospital and a male clinical service assistant of Queen Elizabeth Hospital. Both are isolated at home and their conditions are stable. Only the nurse is under Tamiflu treatment.
Ends/Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Issued at HKT 19:16
NNNN
