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The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:
The spokesperson for Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) made the following announcement today (December 13):
A doctor in Obstetrics & Gynecology (O&G) department of QEH presented with chickenpox symptoms on December 11. The concerned doctor immediately reported her condition to the Chief of Service of the department and hospital management. Sick leave was immediately granted to the concerned doctor. Specimens were taken immediately and the doctor confirmed the infection of chickenpox today. The case was reported to the Centre for Health Protection.
In accordance with the prevailing infection control guidelines, the hospital has arranged contact tracing and has traced a total of 115 persons (including 30 doctors, 42 nurses and 43 patients) who had contact with the concerned doctor between December 9 and 11. While it was confirmed that 100 persons have immunity against chickenpox infection, the hospital contacted the remaining 11 patients and four doctors (including one O&G doctor and three Anaesthesia doctors) for antibody tests. The hospital will provide post exposure prophylaxis for all susceptible individuals.
The hospital has reported the case to the Hospital Authority Head Office via the Advance Incident Reporting System. QEH will continue closely monitor their health conditions.
Ends/Friday, December 13, 2013
Issued at HKT 20:22
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