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Regarding a medical ward in Prince of Wales Hospital (PWH) in which there were several patients and staff members presented with respiratory infection symptoms and fever earlier, the hospital announced the following updates today (September 14):
One more female patient (aged 78) and one more staff member of the same ward presented with respiratory infection symptoms. Since September 7, five patients and eight staff members of the medical ward presented with respiratory infection symptoms and fever. The patients are being treated under isolation and clinically stable. Five staff members are now on sick leave and the other three staff members recovered and resume duty. Influenza A tests are positive for five patients and six staff members; all H5N1 test results are negative, thus ruling out the possibility of avian flu. The hospital will closely monitor their condition.
All other patients in the ward concerned are under close surveillance and there will be no admission and visiting to the ward. Infection control measures have already been enhanced. Thorough cleansing and disinfection have been carried out in the ward.
The cases have been reported to the Centre for Health Protection for follow up.
Ends/Thursday, September 14, 2006
Issued at HKT 18:49
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