Cluster of Enterovirus/Rhinovirus cases in Ruttonjee and Tang Shiu Kin Hospitals

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     The spokesperson for Ruttonjee and Tang Shiu Kin Hospitals made the following announcement today (January 17):

     Three male patients and two female patients (aged 39 to 74) in an infirmary ward of Ruttonjee Hospital have been presenting with fever and respiratory symptoms since January 3. Appropriate viral tests had been arranged for the patients and their test results were positive for Enterovirus/Rhinovirus. All patients are being treated in cohort isolation and all are in stable condition.

     Enhanced infection control measures have already been adopted according to prevailing guidelines. Droplet and contact precautions, hand hygiene, cleaning and disinfection of the environment and equipment have also been strengthened.

     The hospital will continue to closely monitor the situation in the ward concerned. The cases have been reported to the Hospital Authority Head Office and the Centre for Health Protection for necessary follow-up.