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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 of public hospitals. The HA spokesman today (March 4) announced that a 63-year-old male patient with chronic illness at Tuen Mun Hospital has been confirmed with Human Swine Influenza (HSI). He is being treated in the intensive care unit and in critical condition. The patient is receiving Tamiflu and antibiotic treatment with ventilation support. The hospital will continue to closely monitor his condition.
Furthermore, a 56-year-old female patient confirmed with HSI earlier at Prince of Wales Hospital succumbed yesterday (March 3) 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 12 influenza patients staying in the intensive care unit of public hospitals, including the above newly confirmed HSI case.
Ends/Friday, March 4, 2011
Issued at HKT 19:45
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