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The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:
The spokesperson of Kowloon Hospital (KH) made the following announcement today (March 27) regarding a staff member confirmed to have tuberculosis:
An Occupational Therapist working in a rehabilitation ward attended the Staff Clinic in mid-March due to fever and cough and was granted sick leave until March 23. The staff member attended the Staff Clinic on March 20 and 23 again for follow-up consultation when a chest X-ray examination and sputum test were arranged. On March 24, the sputum tested positive for Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The staff member was referred to the chest clinic for treatment and has been on sick leave since March 24.
Following confirmation of the laboratory test result, the hospital launched a prompt investigation into the incident and performed contact tracing according to infection control guidelines. Joint assessment made by microbiologists and respiratory medicine specialists in Mycobacterium tuberculosis concluded that the staff member had no close contact with patients and had worn a surgical mask while on duty, thus reducing the chance of infection. No patients or other staff having had contact with the staff member concerned have reported any symptoms of tuberculosis.
As a precautionary measure, the hospital has contacted 21 patients who had possible exposure to the staff member to explain the situation. Their clinical condition will be closely monitored. Infection control measures in the ward will also be enhanced.
The hospital has reported the case to the Hospital Authority Head Office and the Centre for Health Protection for necessary follow-up action.
Ends/Friday, March 27, 2015
Issued at HKT 18:48
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