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The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:
Regarding the recent confirmation of a number of patients with Influenza A in a female severe mentally handicapped ward, the spokesperson for Siu Lam Hospital made the following update today (December 18):
Two more female patients (aged 49 and 58) and a staff member in the ward had presented with fever and respiratory symptoms. Appropriate viral tests were arranged for the patients and their test results were positive for Influenza A. The patients concerned are being treated under isolation and are in stable condition. The staff member is currently on sick leave.
Admission to the ward has been suspended and restricted visiting 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/Tuesday, December 18, 2012
Issued at HKT 18:30
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