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The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:
The spokesperson for Siu Lam Hospital made the following announcement today (April 29):
Six patients aged 44 to 70 and two staff members in a male ward for severe intellectual disability have presented with respiratory symptoms since April 19. Appropriate viral tests were arranged for the patients and the test results of three patients confirmed positive for Human Metapneumovirus. The patients are being treated under isolation and are all in stable condition. The staff members have recovered and resumed duty.
In addition, regarding yesterday's announcement of a cluster of patients infected with Human Metapneumovirus in a female ward for severe intellectual disability, one more 38-year-old patient has presented with respiratory symptoms. Appropriate viral tests have been arranged for the patient, who is being treated under isolation and is in stable condition.
Admission to the wards concerned 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 wards 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.
Ends/Tuesday, April 29, 2014
Issued at HKT 18:35
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