Caritas Medical Centre Norovirus cases update
*********************************************

Regarding a female rehabilitation ward in Caritas Medical Centre (CMC) in which there were patients and staff with diarrhea and vomiting symptoms, the hospital spokesperson has the following update today (21 December 2006):

There is one more patient (aged 87) and one more staff presented with diarrhea and vomiting symptoms. All patients are being treated under isolation and are in stable condition.  The staff is now on sick leave.  From 14 December 2006 to now, there are 13 patients and two staff with the above symptoms.  The test results of three patients are positive to Norovirus.  Meanwhile, other test results are pending.

Admission to the ward has been suspended and restricted visiting is imposed. Patients¡¯ relatives have been informed about the situation.  Infection control measures of the ward concerned have already been stepped up.  All other patients and staff in the ward are under close surveillance.

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

Ends/Thursday, December 21, 2006
Issued at HKT 19:46

NNNN