Update on infectious disease cases in New Territories West Cluster
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The spokesperson for New Territories West Cluster made the following update today (20 January):
Regarding an earlier announcement on a cluster of patients infected with Human Metapneumovirus in a male ward for severe intellectual disability in Siu Lam Hospital, two more patients (aged 17 & 21) and a staff member in the ward had presented with respiratory symptoms. Appropriate viral tests had been arranged for the patients and their test results were positive to Human Metapneumovirus. The concerned patients are being treated under isolation with stable condition. The staff member has recovered and resumed duty.
Admission to the ward has been suspended and restricted visiting has been imposed. Infection control measures have already been stepped up according to established guidelines. All other patients in the ward are under close surveillance.
On the other hand, Tuen Mun Hospital has an update on earlier announcement on a cluster of Vancomycin Resistant Enterococci (VRE) carriers in a Medicine and Geriatrics ward. In accordance with the prevailing infection control guidelines, the hospital has performed contact tracing and today confirmed one more 71-year-old female patient as VRE carrier but without clinical symptoms. She is still hospitalised under isolation and medical surveillance with stable condition.
The hospital will continue the enhanced infection control measures and closely monitor the situation of the ward. The cases have been reported to the Hospital Authority Head Office and the Centre for Health Protection for necessary follow up.
Ends/Saturday, January 20, 2018
Issued at HKT 16:30
Issued at HKT 16:30
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