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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 update today (April 28):
Today, there are three more male patients (aged 56 to 79) and one staff member in the infirmary ward presenting with vomiting and diarrhoea symptoms. The patients are being treated under isolation and their conditions are stable. The staff member is now on sick leave. Since April 24 there have been 13 patients and three staff members presenting with the symptoms. Of the 13 patients, seven were found positive to Norovirus. Laboratory investigations and results 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/Friday, April 28, 2006
Issued at HKT 19:04
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