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The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:
The spokesperson for Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) made the following announcement today (August 18):
A total of nine female patients (aged from 42 to 90) of a neurosurgical ward of QEH had presented with diarrhoea symptoms since August 15. Patients in the ward concerned require demanding nursing care. Appropriate tests had been arranged for the nine patients, and four of them were confirmed positive to Norovirus. The laboratory test results of the remaining patients are still awaiting. Seven of them have symptoms subsided already. All concerned patients are under isolation in designated rooms, while new cases will be admitted to other designated rooms. They are being treated by two separate clinical teams. Enhanced infection control measures have been implemented. All patients are in stable condition. Meanwhile, a staff has presented with diarrhoea symptoms and is currently on sick leave.
Infection control measures of the ward concerned have already been stepped up according to prevailing guidelines. Another ward would be considered to open to provide care to affected patients in the ward concerned. All other patients in the ward are under close medical surveillance.
The cases have been reported to the Hospital Authority Head Office and the Centre for Health Protection for necessary follow-up.
Ends/Saturday, August 18, 2012
Issued at HKT 16:38
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