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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 14) regarding an earlier announcement on a cluster of Clostridium Difficile infections in a convalescence ward:
Two more male patients (aged 79 and 84) in the ward presented with symptoms of diarrhea. Appropriate tests were arranged for the patients and the results are pending. The patients are being treated under isolation and are in a stable condition.
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 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.
Clostridium Difficile is the most frequently identified cause of hospital-acquired diarrhea, which may range from mild diarrhea to much more severe infection. Common risk factors for Clostridium Difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD) include prior use of broad spectrum antibiotics, old age, prolonged hospitalisation and severe underlying diseases. Treatment of CDAD consists of discontinuation of the offending agent and prompt, appropriate antimicrobial therapy.
Ends/Thursday, March 14, 2013
Issued at HKT 18:36
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