Cluster of Influenza A cases at Shatin Hospital

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     The spokesman for Shatin Hospital (SH) made the following announcement today (May 11):

     Six patients (aged 58 to 94) in a medical and geriatrics ward have presented with symptoms of fever or respiratory symptoms since May 7. Appropriate viral tests were arranged for the patients and their test results were positive for Influenza A. Two patients are currently hospitalised at Prince of Wales Hospital for other medical needs. One of them is in serious condition due to underlying illness and the other is stable. The remaining four patients are being treated in isolation in SH and are all in stable condition.

     Infection control measures have already been stepped up according to established guidelines. All other patients in the ward concerned 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.