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The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:
The spokesperson for Tung Wah Group of Hospitals Wong Tai Sin Hospital (WTSH) made the following announcement today (March 7):
Three patients (one male and two female, aged between 75 and 91) in a convalescence ward had presented with diarrhoea symptoms since February 19. Appropriate tests were arranged for the patients. The test results for the three patients were positive for Clostridium Difficile toxin. The patients concerned are being treated under isolation. All of them are in stable condition.
Restricted visiting to the ward has been imposed. Infection control measures have already been stepped up according to established guidelines. All other patients in the ward concerned are under close surveillance.
The cases have been reported to the Hospital Authority Head Office and the Centre for Health Protection for necessary follow-up.
Clostridium Difficile is the most frequently identified cause of hospital-acquired diarrhoea, which may range from mild diarrhoea to much more severe disease. Common risk factors for Clostridium Difficile-associated diarrhoea (CDAD) include prior use of broad spectrum antibiotics, old age, prolonged hospitalisation and severe underlying diseases. Treatment of CDAD consists of discontinuation of the offending agent and prompt, appropriate antimicrobial therapy.
Ends/Thursday, March 7, 2013
Issued at HKT 18:59
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