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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 (August 4):
The Designated Flu Clinics today (as at 5.00pm) provide treatment to a total of 791 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 232 newly confirmed cases of human swine influenza in the past 24 hours. This brings to 4,504 the total number of confirmed human swine influenza cases in Hong Kong. Currently, a total of 50 confirmed cases are staying in public hospitals for treatment. Among them, 46 cases are in stable condition (including a 48-year-old female patient of Queen Elizabeth Hospital who was earlier reported in serious condition) and four in critical condition.
The confirmed cases announced today included eight female staff members of public hospitals (five nurses, two allied health professionals and one supporting staff). So far there were 85 HA staff members being confirmed as human swine influenza. Among them, 52 have already recovered and returned to work.
On the other hand, hospital records reveal that there are two critical patients who have been tested positive for Influenza A (H3) and are currently under proper treatment respectively in the intensive care unit of Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospital (female, aged 69) and North District Hospital (male, aged 77).
Ends/Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Issued at HKT 19:47
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