Cluster of Sapovirus cases in Caritas Medical Centre
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The spokesperson of Caritas Medical Centre made the following announcement today (August 1):
Three female children (aged 7 to 12) with history of chronic illnesses residing in the Paediatric Developmental Disabilities Unit of Caritas Medical Centre presented with gastroenteritis symptoms including diarrhoea and fever since July 24. Laboratory tests were arranged and revealed positive results for Sapovirus. One of the children suffering from multiple chronic systemic illnesses passed away on July 27 due to a complication of septic shock. The other two are being treated under isolation with stable condition.
The transmission of Sapovirus is mainly through the faecal-oral route. The symptoms of Sapovirus include vomiting, diarrhoea, nausea, abdominal cramps, chills, headache, myalgia and malaise. A healthy person would normally recover within a few days after being infected with the virus. However, severe complications may occur in persons with chronic illnesses.
Admission to the ward has been suspended. The children's relatives have been informed about the situation. Infection control measures of the ward have been stepped up according to the established guidelines. All other children and staff in the ward 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/Wednesday, August 1, 2018
Issued at HKT 19:25
Issued at HKT 19:25
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