16 new cases of human swine influenza
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     A spokesman for the Department of Health said that up to 2.30pm today, there were 16 newly confirmed cases of human swine influenza (Influenza A H1N1).

     Nine of them are imported while seven are local.

     This brings to 237 the total number of human swine influenza (HSI) cases in Hong Kong.

     The new cases involved nine male and seven female aged between 10 and 51. All of them are in stable condition and have been admitted to public hospitals for medical treatment.

     Meanwhile, the Department of Health advised Lui Cheung Kwong Luthern College in Tuen Mun to suspend classes for two weeks starting tomorrow (June 20) to stop the possible spread of HSI.

     The advice was made as one of the confirmed cases today was a 15-year-old boy who is a Form Four student of the school, the spokesman said.

     The student had onset of symptoms on Wednesday (June 17) and admitted to Tuen Mun Hospital for isolation. He is now in a stable condition.

     Among the cases confirmed yesterday, four, comprising three students and one tutor had attended a function held by a private arts centre on June 14.  The department has advised the centre to suspend classes for two weeks and carry out thorough disinfection.

     Investigations into the cases are ongoing.

Ends/Friday, June 19, 2009
Issued at HKT 18:16

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