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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 (7 August):
The Designated Flu Clinics today (as at 5.00pm) provide treatment to a total of 724 patients.
As at 2.30pm today, there were 234 newly confirmed cases of human swine influenza in the past 24 hours. This brings to 5,208 the total number of confirmed human swine influenza cases in Hong Kong. Currently, a total of 64 confirmed cases are staying in public hospitals for treatment. Among them, 58 cases are in stable condition, one in serious and five in critical condition.
The newly confirmed critical case announced today is a 66-year-old female patient of United Christian Hospital (UCH). The patient developed flu symptoms on 4 August. She attended the Accident and Emergency Department of UCH on 5 August due to shortness of breath and was admitted to medical ward. Positive result of human swine influenza was confirmed on 6 August, she was transferred to isolation ward. Her condition deteriorated today (7 August) requiring administration of oxygen. She is now under medication treatment of Tamiflu and antibiotics. The patient has a history of multiple chronic diseases. The hospital will closely monitor her condition.
Furthermore, the confirmed cases announced today included seven staff members of public hospitals (two male and five female, including one doctor, three nurses, one allied health professional, one clerical staff and one supporting staff). So far there were 106 HA staff members being confirmed as human swine influenza. Among them, 68 have already recovered and returned to work.
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.
Ends/Friday, August 7, 2009
Issued at HKT 20:03
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