The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     The spokesperson for New Territories West Cluster made the following announcement today (November 2):
 
     Six patients aged 25 to 58 at a female adult psychiatric ward in Castle Peak Hospital have presented with respiratory symptoms since October 31. Appropriate viral tests were arranged for the patients and the test results of four patients were positive for Influenza A (H3). The patients are being treated under isolation and are in a stable condition.
 
     Furthermore, Siu Lam Hospital had earlier announced that a group of patients in a male ward for severe intellectual disability were infected with Rhinovirus. One more 60-year-old patient and a staff member in the ward presented with respiratory symptoms on October 31. Appropriate viral tests were arranged for the patient and the test results were positive for Rhinovirus. The patient is being treated under isolation with stable condition. The staff member has recovered and has resumed duty.
 
     Admission to the wards concerned at 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, November 2, 2017
Issued at HKT 19:26

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