Infectious disease cases in New Territories West Cluster
********************************************************
The spokesperson for New Territories West Cluster made the following announcement today (January 16):
Four patients (aged 56 to 69) in a male adult psychiatric ward at Castle Peak Hospital have presented with respiratory symptoms since January 14. Appropriate viral tests were arranged for the patients and their test results were positive for Coronavirus 229E. The patients concerned are being treated under isolation and are in a stable condition. Coronavirus 229E is a known human coronavirus which usually causes a mild respiratory infection such as the common cold.
Meanwhile, Siu Lam Hospital gave an update on an earlier announcement of a group of patients infected with Human Metapneumovirus in a male ward for severe intellectual disability. One more 57-year-old patient in the ward has presented with respiratory symptoms, and appropriate viral tests for the patient were positive for Human Metapneumovirus. The patient is being treated under isolation and is in a stable condition.
Admission to the wards concerned in the two hospitals has been suspended and restricted visiting has been imposed. Infection control measures have already been stepped up according to established guidelines. Other patients in the wards 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.
Ends/Tuesday, January 16, 2018
Issued at HKT 18:05
Issued at HKT 18:05
NNNN