Cluster of COVID-19 cases and cluster of chickenpox cases in Kwai Chung Hospital
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The spokesperson for Kwai Chung Hospital (KCH) made the following announcement today (January 18):
A 26-year-old male patient who tested positive for COVID-19 was admitted to a male psychiatric ward of KCH on January 12. Subsequently, nine patients (aged 18 to 87) in the same male psychiatric ward have been presenting with fever or respiratory symptoms since January 14 and tested positive for COVID-19. All 10 patients are being treated in isolation and are in stable condition. Admission and visiting arrangements to the ward have been suspended.
Moreover, two patients aged 25 and 32 hospitalised in a male ward of Learning Disabilities have been presenting with rashes or vesicles since January 15 and were confirmed to have chickenpox infection after viral tests were arranged. The patients concerned are being treated in isolation and are in stable condition. In addition, a staff member in the ward has presented with a rash and vesicles since yesterday (January 17). The staff member concerned has been on sick leave starting today. The KCH Infection Control Team conducted contact tracing upon notification of the cases. The hospital has started informing contacts and arranging antibody testing for individuals who either had not received chickenpox vaccines in the past or are unsure of their infection history of Varicella Zoster Virus, in order to assess the needs of medical surveillance or isolation. Admission to the ward concerned has been suspended.
A thorough cleaning and disinfection have been conducted in the wards concerned, while infection control measures have been enhanced. The hospital will continue to closely monitor the situation of the patients. The cases have been reported to the Hospital Authority Head Office and the Centre for Health Protection for necessary follow-up.
Ends/Thursday, January 18, 2024
Issued at HKT 18:55
Issued at HKT 18:55
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