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The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:
The spokesperson of Siu Lam Hospital made the following announcement today (January 17):
Five male patients (aged 38 to 60) and two staff members in a male severe mentally handicapped ward have presented with diarrhea or vomiting symptoms since January 13. Appropriate viral tests have been arranged for the patients. Four of them were positive to Norovirus, while the result of the remaining one is pending. All patients have been transferred to Tuen Mun Hospital for treatment under isolation and are in stable condition. For the two staff members, one has recovered and resumed duty while the other is currently on sick leave.
Admission to and discharge from the ward have been suspended. Restricted visiting to the ward has been imposed. Infection control measures have already been stepped up according to established guidelines. All other patients in the ward concerned are under close surveillance.
The cases have been reported to the Hospital Authority Head Office and the Centre for Health Protection for necessary follow up.
Ends/Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Issued at HKT 20:19
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