Cluster of Human Metapneumovirus cases in Siu Lam Hospital

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     The spokesperson for Siu Lam Hospital made the following announcement today (August 28):
 
     Five patients (aged 45 to 66) and a staff member in a male ward for severe intellectual disability presented with respiratory symptoms since August 21. Appropriate viral tests were arranged for the patients and the test results for four patients were positive for Human Metapneumovirus. The patients concerned are being treated under isolation with stable condition. The staff member is currently on leave.
 
     Admission to the ward has been suspended and restricted visiting has been imposed. Infection control measures have already been stepped up according to established guidelines. All other patients 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 necessary follow-up.