Cluster of Clostridium Difficile infection cases in Caritas Medical Centre
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The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     A spokesperson for Caritas Medical Centre (CMC) made the following announcement today (July 12):

     A total of five patients (aged 63 to 96) of a female Medicine and Geriatric Rehabilitation Ward have presented with diarrhoea since July 3. Appropriate tests have been arranged and all of the patients have been confirmed as having symptoms of Clostridium Difficile infection. The patients are being treated under isolation and are in stable condition.

     Infection control measures have been stepped up according to established guidelines, including suspension of admissions and thorough cleansing of the ward, while visiting arrangements remain normal. All other patients as well as staff members in the unit are under close surveillance.

     CMC has reported the cases to the Hospital Authority Head Office and the Centre for Health Protection for necessary follow-up action.

Ends/Thursday, July 12, 2012
Issued at HKT 16:02

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