****************************************************
The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:
Regarding the announcement earlier concerning a female long-stay ward at which some patients had been confirmed with Human Metapneumovirus, a spokesperson for Castle Peak Hospital made the following update today (August 12):
Three more female patients (aged 50 to 66) and a staff member in the ward have presented with respiratory symptoms. Appropriate viral tests have been arranged for the patients and the test results of all three patients were positive for Human Metapneumovirus. The patients concerned have been transferred to Tuen Mun Hospital for treatment under isolation and are in a stable condition. The staff member concerned is now on sick leave.
Admission to the ward has been suspended and restricted visiting to the ward has been imposed. Infection control measures have been stepped up according to established guidelines. All other patients in the ward are under close surveillance.
The cases have been reported to the Hospital Authority Head Office and the Centre for Health Protection for necessary follow-up.
Ends/Friday, August 12, 2011
Issued at HKT 18:33
NNNN
