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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health received notification from Hong Kong Sanatorium & Hospital (HKSH) yesterday evening (September 27) about the death of a 55-year-old man suspected to have been infected with human swine influenza (HSI).
The patient presented to HKSH yesterday morning with a history of fever and respiratory symptoms since September 19. On admission, he was found to have severe pneumonia. His condition deteriorated rapidly and he passed away in the afternoon of the same day.
Laboratory tests on his respiratory specimens were positive for HSI today (September 28).
Investigations revealed that the man was a staff member of a school in Aberdeen. He had been on sick leave in the past week.
Earlier this month, the school concerned had reported an influenza outbreak. Staff of CHP had visited the school on September 1 and health advice was given. A total of 16 students had developed influenza-like-illness between August 28 and September 11. Six of them were confirmed to have HSI. All of the affected students have recovered.
The school was put under medical surveillance and no new cases were detected after September 11.
Staff of the CHP visited the school again this afternoon and noted that the number of students on sick leave was at baseline level and that there was no new influenza-like-illness outbreak. General health advice was given to the school.
The case has been referred to the Coroner for investigation.
CHP will report the case to the World Health Organisation.
Ends/Monday, September 28, 2009
Issued at HKT 21:11
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