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The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:
The spokesperson for New Territories West Cluster made the following announcement today (January 29):
Four patients (aged 21 to 50) in a female ward for severe intellectual disability in Siu Lam Hospital had presented with respiratory symptoms since January 24. Appropriate viral tests had been arranged for the patients and the test results of three patients were positive to Influenza A (H3). The concerned patients are being treated under isolation with stable condition.
Regarding an earlier announcement by Castle Peak Hospital on a cluster of patients infected with Influenza A (H3) in a male psychogeriatric ward, it is confirmed today that one more 77-year-old patient and a staff member in the ward had presented with respiratory symptoms. Appropriate viral tests had been arranged for the patient and the test result was positive to Influenza A (H3). The concerned patient is being treated under isolation with stable condition. The staff member is currently on sick leave.
Admission to the concerned wards in the two hospitals 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/Thursday, January 29, 2015
Issued at HKT 19:52
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