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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 patients admitted to public hospitals, the Hospital Authority (HA) spokesman provided the following updates today (September 30):
The Designated Flu Clinics today (as at 5pm) provide treatment to a total of 829 patients with flu-like symptoms.
As at 2.30pm today, there were 397 newly confirmed cases of human swine influenza in the past 24 hours. This brings to 27,897 the total number of confirmed human swine influenza cases in Hong Kong. Currently, a total of 237 confirmed cases are staying in public hospitals for treatment. Among them, 216 cases are in stable condition, nine in serious and 12 in critical condition.
The newly confirmed critical case announced today is a 52-year-old male patient of Kwong Wah Hospital (KWH) with diabetes mellitus and hypertension. The patient developed flu symptoms on September 25 and was admitted to Accident and Emergency Department of KWH yesterday (September 29). Positive result of human swine influenza was confirmed yesterday and he was transferred to Intensive Care Unit. The patient received Tamiflu and antibiotics. He is on ventilation support. The hospital will closely monitor his condition.
Furthermore, the confirmed cases announced today included 17 staff members of public hospitals (eight male and nine female, including one doctor, seven nurses, two allied health professionals, two clerical staff and five supporting staff). So far there were 789 HA staff members being confirmed as human swine influenza. Among them, 632 have already recovered and returned to work.
The HA spokesman reminded the public that the test for human swine influenza is not routine. However, this will not affect the treatment of patients. Under normal circumstances, both DFCs and Accident & Emergency Departments will only conduct laboratory tests for human swine influenza on the following specific groups of patients:
- Pregnant women
- Children at or under 12-month-old
- Healthcare workers including staff from residential homes
- Patients living in institutions without outbreak
- Influenza patients with persistent fever (over 38¢XC) or whose condition deteriorate 48 hours after treatment
Public hospitals and clinics will only prescribe symptom control medication to influenza patients with mild condition. Patients can consider seeking consultation first with private hospitals and clinics.
Ends/Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Issued at HKT 19:43
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