Kowloon Hospital gastroenteristis cases update
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    Regarding an infirmary ward in Kowloon Hospital in which there were patients presenting with vomiting and diarrhoea symptoms earlier, the hospital announced the following updates today (April 30):

     Today, there are three more patients (2 female and 1 male, aged 44 to 67) in the infirmary ward presenting with vomiting and diarrhoea symptoms.  The patients are being treated under isolation and their conditions are stable.  Since April 24, 2006, there are totally 17 patients and 3 staff members presenting with the symptoms.  Of the 17 patients presented with the symptoms, results of eight patients were found positive to Norovirus.  Laboratory investigation and result for the remaining patients were 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/Sunday, April 30, 2006
Issued at HKT 14:19

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