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The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:
North District Hospital (NDH) spokesperson made the following announcement regarding the death of a critical human swine influenza patient today (August 31):
On 24 August 2009, a 65-year-old male patient who just returned from Mainland China attended the Accident & Emergency Department of NDH due to shortness of breath, fever and cough. He was then admitted to the isolation ward. The patient had history of asthma, pneumonia and heart disease. On 25 August, the patient's airway aspirate was confirmed to be positive to Human Swine Flu test. His condition deteriorated and was transferred to the Intensive Care Unit on the same day. He also required ventilation support for his critically ill condition. During his hospitalization, he had received Tamiflu, Relenza, and antibiotics. The patient succumbed at 4.48pm today (31 August).
The case has been reported to the Hospital Authority Head Office and the Centre for Health Protection. The attending doctor has explained the condition to the deceased's family. The hospital would like to express our condolences to the patient's family.
Ends/Monday, August 31, 2009
Issued at HKT 20:40
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