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The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:
The spokesperson for Kwong Wah Hospital (KWH) made the following announcement today (August 31):
Two female staff members in the Labour Ward were confirmed with Fifth Disease on August 22 and today (August 31). A total of five female nurses and healthcare assistants of the Labour Ward have presented with fever, rash and joint pain since August 6. Appropriate viral tests have been arranged for concerned staff and two aforesaid staff members were confirmed with Fifth Disease. Two staff members have resumed duty while the rest are on leave.
The Fifth Disease is caused by Parvovirus B19 and is a usually mild illness. Since droplet precaution by using face masks has been implemented in the hospital's Labour Ward, the infection risk of patients who delivered in the Ward is very low.
As a precautionary measure, the hospital has set up an enquiry hotline for pregnant women who had a delivery between July 29 and August 29. The hotline number 3517 7912 would be operated from 9am-5pm (Mondays to Sundays). Voicemail messages left during non-office hours would be replied within 24 hours.
The hospital has stepped up infection control measures in the Labour Ward according to established guidelines. Health condition of staff will be monitored closely. Deep cleansing has been conducted in the Labour Ward while droplet precaution will continued to be practised. Patient services remain normal.
The cases have been reported to the Hospital Authority Head Office and the Centre for Health Protection for follow up.
Ends/Friday, August 31, 2012
Issued at HKT 22:08
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