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The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:
Following the confirmation of a local case of dengue fever by the Department of Health today (September 22), the Central Committee on Infectious Disease and Emergency Responses of the Hospital Authority (HA) this afternoon convened an urgent meeting to discuss the contingency response measures of public hospitals. The following key measures will be implemented with immediate effect:
- HA will closely monitor the situation in collaboration with the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) and implement a two-week enhanced surveillance programme on dengue fever;
- The frontline medical staff including Accident & Emergency Departments and general outpatient clinics have been notified to step up surveillance and reporting of dengue fever cases according to stipulated clinical guidelines;
- The frontline medical staff would arrange appropriate clinical tests or admission for observation and treatment for patients basing on their clinical symptoms; and
- All related cases will be reported to CHP for necessary follow up.
The HA will continue to closely collaborate with CHP to monitor the development and keep the general public and professionals posted of the most updated situation and relevant information. The concerned measures will be reviewed at appropriate time.
Ends/Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Issued at HKT 21:12
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