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The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:
In response to the influenza situation in Hong Kong, the Hospital Authority (HA), in close collaboration with the Centre for Health Protection, has activated the enhanced monitoring system for severe influenza patients staying at the intensive care unit (ICU) of public hospitals. The HA spokesman today (March 3) announced that there were two newly confirmed influenza cases being admitted to intensive care unit, including a 41-year-old female patient confirmed with Human Swine Influenza who is staying at Queen Elizabeth Hospital with serious condition. Another one is a 56-year-old female patient confirmed with influenza A at Prince of Wales Hospital, who is now in critical condition and required ventilation support. Both patients are under Tamiflu treatment. The hospitals will continue to closely monitor their condition.
Furthermore, a 61-year-old female patient confirmed with influenza A at Prince of Wales Hospital succumbed yesterday (March 2) due to continued deterioration of clinical condition. The hospital would like to express deep condolences to the patient's family.
As at 2pm today, there were a total of 13 influenza patients staying in the intensive care unit of public hospitals, including the above two newly confirmed influenza cases.
Ends/Thursday, March 3, 2011
Issued at HKT 19:52
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