Siu Lam Hospital's reply on Legionella infection cases
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In response to media enquiries regarding Legionella infection cases, the spokesperson for Siu Lam Hospital (SLH) has the following reply today (July 29):
Two more patients who had stayed in a male ward for severe intellectual disability at SLH were confirmed with Legionnaires' Disease. The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) visited the ward again and collected water samples today. The source of infection for the patients is still undergoing investigation. The two male patients (aged 39 and 82) have been transferred to Tuen Mun Hospital for treatment and are in stable condition.
The hospital has already implemented a series of precautionary and infection control improvement measures, including:
1. Suspending the use of related basin faucets;
2. Installing bacterial filters on basin faucets and shower heads;
3. Arranging cleansing and disinfection at water tanks and pipes;
4. Providing patients with distilled water for drinking;
5. After communicating with the CHP, the hospital will continue to implement clinical surveillance for all patients in the ward.
The cases have been reported to the Hospital Authority Head Office according to established guidelines. In addition to the above precautionary and improvement measures, the hospital has reminded all healthcare staff to be vigilant and continue to closely monitor the situation of the ward. The hospital will co-operate with the CHP in the investigation of the source of infection.
Ends/Wednesday, July 29, 2020
Issued at HKT 20:47
Issued at HKT 20:47
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