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Regarding some patients and staff members of a male ward for the severe mentally handicapped in Siu Lam Hospital (SLH) have presented with respiratory symptoms earlier, the hospital announced the following updates today (July 16):
As at today (July 16), there are two more patients (aged 39 and 52) and three more staff members presented with respiratory symptoms. The patients are treated under isolation and in stable condition. The test results of them are positive to Respiratory Syncytial Virus. The three staff members are currently on sick leave. Since 2 July, there are a total of twelve patients and seven staff members presented with respiratory symptoms. Seven of them were tested positive for Respiratory Syncytial Virus while four staff members have recovered and resumed duty.
Admission to and discharge from the ward have been suspended while restricted visiting policy has been implemented. Patients' relatives have been duly informed. Infection control measures have been stepped up in wards and all patients and health care staff in wards are under close surveillance.
SLH has reported the cases to the Hospital Authority Head Office and the Centre for Health Protection for necessary follow up.
Ends/Monday, July 16, 2007
Issued at HKT 21:23
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