*******************************************************
The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:
The spokesperson of Castle Peak Hospital made the following announcement today (November 28):
Four patients (aged 35 to 70) and three staff members in a female forensic ward had presented with respiratory symptoms since November 19. Appropriate viral tests were arranged for the patients and the test results of two patients were positive for Human Coronavirus OC43. This virus is a known Human Coronavirus which usually causes mild respiratory infection such as common cold. The patients are being treated under isolation and are in stable condition. The staff members concerned have recovered and resumed duty.
Admission to the ward has been suspended and restricted visiting to the ward has been imposed. Infection control measures have already been stepped up according to established guidelines. All other patients in the ward concerned 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/Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Issued at HKT 18:39
NNNN
