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Author Archives: hksar gov

Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital announces investigation report regarding sentinel event

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     The spokesperson for Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital (PYNEH) today (February 15) announced the findings and recommendations of an investigation report regarding an incident related to computed tomographic (CT) colonography (virtual colonoscopy):
 
     Arrangements were made for a female patient to undergo virtual colonoscopy in the hospital on December 7, 2018. A rectal tube was inserted into the patient’s rectum without patient discomfort and colonic insufflation was performed using manual insufflation with room air before the scan. During the examination, images revealed pneumo-retroperitoneum and pneumo-peritoneum, indicating the possibility of rectum perforation caused by the rupture of the balloon due to accidental inflation with gas. Surgical repair of the lacerated rectum was performed the same day. The patient remained stable all along and was discharged home, upon her recovery, on December 22.
 
     PYNEH has reported the incident to Hospital Authority (HA) Head Office via the Advance Incident Reporting System. A Root Cause Analysis Panel was formed to investigate the incident. The Panel made the following conclusions:
 

  1. The rectal tube used in this case for manual insufflation was adopted from the commercial set for Carbon Dioxide (CO2) insufflator. As both of the ports of balloon inflation and air insufflation were blue in colour, the radiologist might have confused and misidentified the port for manual insufflation;
  2. The radiologist could have been distracted by the busy environment in the CT suite on the day amid urgent CT requests from multiple wards, and therefore identified the wrong port for manual insufflation.

     The Panel made the following recommendations:
 
  1. Not to alter the use of the commercial set for CO2 insufflator for the purpose of manual insufflation. Staff should follow the instruction from the supplier/user manual for proper use of equipment as far as possible;
  2. To enhance staff awareness of the different ports of the rectal tube (e.g. by means of pictorial guide or instruction for quick reference).
 
     The hospital has accepted the Panel’s findings and recommendations and submitted the investigation report to HA Head Office. The hospital has explained the investigation findings to the patient’s family and apologised again for the incident. The hospital will continue to maintain close communication with the patient and the family and provide them with the necessary assistance. read more

East Asia

Update on number of dengue fever cases

     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (February 15) reported the latest number of cases of dengue fever (DF), and again urged the public to maintain strict environmental hygiene, mosquito control and personal protective measures both locally and during travel.

     From February 8 to 14, the CHP confirmed seven imported DF cases. The patients had been to Indonesia (three cases, including two epidemiologically linked cases), Sri Lanka (three cases, including two epidemiologically linked cases and one case epidemiologically linked to a case recorded last month) and Thailand (one case) during the incubation period.

     As of yesterday (February 14), 21 cases had been confirmed this year, all of which were imported cases. The cases were mainly imported from Indonesia (six), Sri Lanka (four), Maldives (three) and Thailand (three). 

     DF remains endemic in some areas of Asia and beyond. The latest figures for 2019 revealed that 12 431 cases had been recorded in the Philippines, 5 191 cases in Thailand, 1 339 in Singapore (since December 30, 2018) and 32 in Japan. In Taiwan, one local case has been recorded in 2019. In the Americas, the latest figures indicated that 74 668 and 3 201 cases were filed in Brazil and Mexico respectively in 2019.

     The public should take heed of the following advice on mosquito control:
 

  • Thoroughly check all gully traps, roof gutters, surface channels and drains to prevent blockage;
  • Scrub and clean drains and surface channels with an alkaline detergent compound at least once a week to remove any deposited mosquito eggs;
  • Properly dispose of refuse, such as soft drink cans, empty bottles and boxes, in covered litter containers;
  • Completely change the water of flowers and plants at least once a week. The use of saucers should be avoided if possible;
  • Level irregular ground surfaces before the rainy season;
  • Avoid staying in shrubby areas; and
  • Take personal protective measures such as wearing loose, light-coloured, long-sleeved tops and trousers and apply insect repellent containing DEET to clothing or exposed parts of the body when doing outdoor activities.
     
     To reduce the risk of infections spread by mosquitoes, apart from general measures, travellers returning from areas affected by DF and Zika virus infection should apply insect repellent for 14 days or at least 21 days respectively upon arrival in Hong Kong. If feeling unwell, seek medical advice promptly and provide travel details to the doctor. DEET-containing insect repellents are effective and the public should take heed of the tips below:
 
  • Read the label instructions carefully first;
  • Apply right before entering an area with risk of mosquito bites;
  • Apply on exposed skin and clothing;
  • Use DEET of up to 30 per cent for pregnant women and up to 10 per cent for children*;
  • Apply sunscreen first, then insect repellent; and
  • Re-apply only when needed and follow the instructions.
 
* For children who travel to countries or areas where mosquito-borne diseases are endemic or epidemic and where exposure is likely, those aged 2 months or above can use DEET-containing insect repellents with a DEET concentration of up to 30 per cent.

     The public may refer to the CHP’s tips for using insect repellents for details. read more

East Asia

Suspected MERS case reported

     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (February 15) reported a suspected case of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), and again urged the public to pay special attention to safety during travel, taking due consideration of the health risks in the places they visit. The case is detailed below:
 

Sex Male
Age 38
Affected area involved Dubai, United Arab Emirates
High-risk exposure Camel ride
Hospital Tuen Mun Hospital
Condition Stable
MERS-Coronavirus preliminary test result Negative

     “Travellers to the Middle East should avoid going to farms, barns or markets with camels; avoid contact with sick persons and animals, especially camels, birds or poultry; and avoid unnecessary visits to healthcare facilities. We strongly advise travel agents organising tours to the Middle East to abstain from arranging camel rides and activities involving direct contact with camels, which are known risk factors for acquiring MERS Coronavirus (MERS-CoV),” a spokesman for the CHP said.

     Locally, the CHP’s surveillance with public and private hospitals, with practising doctors and at boundary control points is firmly in place. Inbound travellers and members of the public who recently visited the Middle East and developed fever or lower respiratory symptoms within 14 days will be classified as suspected MERS cases. They will be taken to public hospitals for isolation and management until their specimens test negative for MERS-CoV.

     Travellers to affected areas should maintain vigilance, adopt appropriate health precautions and take heed of personal, food and environmental hygiene. The public may visit the MERS pages of the CHP and its Travel Health Service, MERS statistics in affected areas, the CHP’s Facebook Page and YouTube Channel, and the World Health Organization’s latest news for more information and health advice. Tour leaders and tour guides operating overseas tours are advised to refer to the CHP’s health advice on MERS. 
  read more

East Asia