QEH Norovirus Case Update
*************************

    Regarding a medical ward and a paediatric ward in Queen Elizabeth Hospital in which there were patients and staff presented with vomiting and diarrhoea symptoms earlier, the hospital announced the following update today (June 23):

     One more staff in the same medical ward had presented with diarrhoea symptom.  She is currently on sick leave.  Since June 16, there are totally six patients and three staff members presented with the symptoms.  All of them are in stable condition.  Test results of three of the patients were positive to Norovirus while two patients were negative.  The remaining test results are pending.

     There are three more infants (2 male and 1 female, aged 5 to 14 months) in the same paediatric ward had presented with vomiting and diarrhoea symptom.  They are being treated under isolation.  Since 14 June, there are totally eleven infants presented with the symptoms.  Their conditions are stable.  Test results of six infants were positive to Norovirus while three patients were negative.  The remaining test results are pending.

     Admission to the two wards concerned has been suspended while visiting arrangement remains normal. Infection control measures have been stepped up in the concerned wards. All patients are under close surveillance.

     QEH Infection Control Team has reported the cases to the Hospital Authority and the Centre for Health Protection.

Ends/Friday, June 23, 2006
Issued at HKT 19:32

NNNN