Chickenpox case at Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     The spokesperson for Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital (PYNEH) made the following announcement today (July 18):

     A newborn baby girl (aged 14 days) was admitted to PYNEH yesterday (July 17) with chickenpox. Upon case surveillance, the mother of the newborn was suspected to have developed related symptoms during her delivery period in the hospital earlier in July. PYNEH immediately started contact tracing of patients in accordance with the prevailing infection control guidelines. A total of 25 patients (including nine mothers and 16 neonates) who had contact with the baby's mother were identified as having the potential risk of infection. PYNEH will contact the patients concerned to understand their health conditions and to provide appropriate follow up where necessary.
 
     The case has been reported to the Hospital Authority Head Office and the Centre for Health Protection for follow up. PYNEH will continue to monitor the situation.