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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 updates today (March 15) regarding an earlier announcement on a cluster of Clostridium difficile infections in a convalescence ward:
Two more male patients (aged 80 and 97) in the ward have presented with symptoms of diarrhea. Appropriate tests were arranged for the patients and the results are pending. One of the patients is in a stable condition and being treated under isolation. The other patient is in a serious condition due to his underlying disease.
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 concerned 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 hospitalization and severe underlying diseases. Treatment of CDAD consists of discontinuation of the offending agent and prompt, appropriate antimicrobial therapy.
Ends/Friday, March 15, 2013
Issued at HKT 18:15
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