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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (December 18) said it had made three more detections of a human swine influenza (HSI) virus strain with mutation similar to the one reported by Norway.
The detections arose from an ongoing surveillance program of virus isolates performed by the Centre's Public Health Laboratory Service Branch. That brought to eight the total number of such detections so far in Hong Kong.
A CHP spokesman said, "Out of 351 virus isolates so far tested, CHP has detected eight viral gene sequences with the same mutation as the one reported in Norway in November this year."
Among these eight cases, three of the patients passed away and one is still receiving intensive care treatment. The other four recovered.
Five of the eight cases have been announced earlier by the CHP.
The spokesman said that the significance of the mutation was being assessed by scientists in the World Health Organisation network of influenza laboratories.
"CHP is closely monitoring influenza viruses worldwide and remains vigilant for changes in the virus that may have public health significance," he said.
"These viruses are still sensitive to antiviral drugs, oseltamivir and zanamivir."
"CHP will continue to monitor influenza viruses in Hong Kong through its laboratory surveillance program and alert the public of any unusual signs," he said.
Ends/Friday, December 18, 2009
Issued at HKT 19:39
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