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The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:
In response to media enquiries, a spokesman of the Tuen Mun Hospital (TMH) makes the following announcement:
A 3-year-old girl, presented with symptoms of high fever (40.3C) and upper respiratory tract infection, attended the Accident and Emergency Department (AED) of TMH at 5.06am on Saturday (March 1). When the doctor attended to her at 5.20am, she had symptoms of fever, cough and runny nose, with normal blood pressure and no signs of infection after chest examination. Furthermore, her chest x-ray did not show any abnormalities. The attending doctor explained the condition to the parents and taught them to perform tepid sponging for the girl at home. Medications for influenza-like illness were prescribed to the girl who was discharged at 6.27am.
At 4.39pm that day (March 1), the girl was sent to the AED by ambulance. At the moment she was already in cardiac arrest. Despite active resuscitation, the patient was subsequently certified dead at 5.27pm.
At 7.55am the next day (March 2), the 6-year-old sister of the deceased girl attended the AED of TMH. Chest x-ray examination revealed a shadow in the left lung and she was admitted to the paediatric isolation ward. The patient has had symptoms of influenza-like illness which were also revealed in clinical observation and examination. Tamiflu was given to the girl and rapid test on March 2 showed a positive result to influenza A. Further testing revealed that the sample was positive to influenza A (H3) and negative to H5. The girl is now being treated in the isolation ward and her condition is stable. The hospital has arranged a clinical psychologist to help her cope with the difficult situation as a result of the loss of her sister.
The two cases were reported to the Hospital Authority Head Office and the Centre for Health Protection for follow-up. The deceased patient case will also be followed up by the Coroner. TMH met with the family this afternoon to express deep condolences. Clinicians also explained the situation to the family and offered all necessary assistance to the relatives. During the meeting, the hospital enquired about the health condition of the family and learned that they are all well. The hospital told them they could contact the Patient Relation Manager for further assistance if there was any change in their health condition.
Ends/Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Issued at HKT 19:01
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