HA update on Designated Flu Clinic and admitted human swine influenza patients
************************************************************

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     Regarding the services of the eight Designated Flu Clinics (DFCs) and the confirmed human swine influenza (HSI) patients admitted to public hospitals, the Hospital Authority (HA) spokesman provided the following updates today (July 15):

     The Designated Flu Clinics today (as at 5pm) provide treatment to a total of 450 patients.

     The HA spokesman reminded the public that the eight DFCs have ceased the provision of general outpatient services.  Patients with other illnesses are advised to seek medical treatment at other general outpatient clinics in the district or private practitioners.  Chronic patients who have been pre-scheduled for follow up at the eight DFCs should proceed to their corresponding clinics with drug refill service according to their date of original appointment and bring along the appointment slip and Identity Card.

     As at 2.30pm today, there were 78 newly confirmed cases of human swine influenza in the past 24 hours.  This brings to 1,467 the total number of confirmed human swine influenza cases in Hong Kong. Currently, a total of 15 confirmed cases are staying in public hospitals for treatment.  Among them, 13 cases are in stable condition, one in serious and one in critical condition.

     The patient in serious condition is a 34-year-old male patient who is now staying in Tuen Mun Hospital.  The patient developed fever and flu symptoms on July 9.  He attended the Accident and Emergency Department of Tuen Mun Hospital on 11 July and was admitted to isolation ward for treatment.  The patient is now under medication treatment of tamiflu and antibiotics.  The hospital will continue to closely monitor the condition of the patient.

Ends/Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Issued at HKT 19:55

NNNN