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Update on cluster of Human Metapneumovirus cases in Pok Oi Hospital
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The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     Regarding the recent confirmation of a cluster of patients with Human Metapneumovirus in a male infirmary ward, the spokesperson of Pok Oi Hospital (POH) made the following update today (March 16):

     In the process of enhancing infection control measures including the screening of involved patients, the test results of two asymptomatic patients, aged 52 and 56, were found positive to Human Metapneumovirus. The concerned patients are being managed under isolation and are in stable condition.

     Human Metapneumovirus infection most commonly occurs in late winter and early spring. The virus was first reported in the Netherlands in 2001. Human Metapneumovirus is a single-stranded RNA virus and belongs to the paramyxoviridae family, which includes Parainfluenza Virus and Respiratory Syncytial Virus. The spokesperson stressed that it is neither SARS nor novel coronavirus.

     Admission to the ward has been suspended and restricted visiting is being imposed. Infection control measures have already been stepped up according to established guideline. All other patients in the ward are under close surveillance.

     The cases have been reported to Hospital Authority Head Office and the Centre for Health Protection for necessary follow up.

Ends/Saturday, March 16, 2013
Issued at HKT 18:18

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