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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 5):
The Designated Flu Clinics today (as at 5pm) provide treatment to a total of 769 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 with 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.
There were 245 newly confirmed cases of human swine influenza in the 24 hours to 2.30pm today. This brings to 4,749 the total number of confirmed human swine influenza cases in Hong Kong. Currently, a total of 55 confirmed cases are staying in public hospitals for treatment. Among them, 50 cases are in stable condition and five in critical condition.
The newly confirmed critical case announced today was a 45-year-old male patient of Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH). He developed flu symptoms and shortness of breath on August 3 and attended the Accident and Emergency Department of PMH. The patient was admitted to the isolation ward of the Infectious Diseases Centre. He received Tamiflu and antibiotics treatment. The patient¡¦s condition deteriorated in the afternoon of August 3 and he was immediately transferred to the Intensive Care Unit, where he required intubation and ventilatory support. The hospital will closely monitor his condition.
Furthermore, the confirmed cases announced today included eight staff members of public hospitals (five male and three female) comprising three nurses, three allied health professionals and two supporting staff. So far there are 93 HA staff members confirmed with human swine influenza. Among them, 59 have already recovered and returned to work.
Ends/Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Issued at HKT 19:19
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