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The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:
The spokesperson for Tung Wah Group of Hospitals Wong Tai Sin Hospital (WTSH) made the following update today (March 11) regarding an earlier announcement on a cluster of Clostridium Difficile in a convalescence ward:
One more 79-year-old male patient in the ward concerned presented with symptoms of diarrhoea. Appropriate tests were arranged for the patient and the results are pending. The patient concerned is being treated under isolation and is in stable condition.
Admission to the ward concerned has been suspended. Restricted visiting to the ward concerned 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 case has been reported to the Hospital Authority Head Office and the Centre for Health Protection for necessary follow-up.
Clostridium Difficile is the most frequently identified cause of hospital-acquired diarrhoea, which may range from mild diarrhoea to much more severe disease. Common risk factors for Clostridium Difficile-associated diarrhoea (CDAD) include prior use of broad spectrum antibiotics, old age, prolonged hospitalisation and severe underlying disease. Treatment of CDAD consists of discontinuation of the offending agent and prompt, appropriate antimicrobial therapy.
Ends/Monday, March 11, 2013
Issued at HKT 19:13
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