Kowloon Hospital gastroenteristis cases update
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    Regarding an infirmary ward in Kowloon Hospital in which patients had earlier presented with vomiting and diarrhoea symptoms, the hospital announced the following updates today (April 27):

     Today, there are three more patients (two male, one female, aged 58 to 77 years old)  and two staff members in the infirmary ward presenting with vomiting and diarrhoea symptoms.  Since April 24 there have been 10 patients and two staff members presenting with the symptoms.  The patients are still being treated under isolation and their condition is stable.  The staff members are on sick leave. Of the 10 patients presented with the symptoms, test results of four were positive to Norovirus.  Laboratory investigation and result for the remaining patients are pending.

     Infection control measures have already been enhanced. There will be no admission to and discharge from the ward for the time being.  Visiting of the isolated cubicle in the ward is also suspended. All other patients in the ward concerned are under close surveillance.

     The cases have been reported to the Hospital Authority and the Centre for Health Protection for necessary follow up.

Ends/Thursday, April 27, 2006
Issued at HKT 19:01

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