The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:
The spokesperson of Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) made the following announcement today (January 24):
Five patients (aged 28 to 72) and three staff members of a male ward of the Department of Medicine in QEH have presented with upper respiratory tract infection symptoms since January 16. Clinical tests were arranged and the test results were positive for Influenza A. The patients are being treated under isolation. Two of the patients, aged 72 and 64, are in a critical and serious condition respectively, while the other three patients are in a stable condition. The staff members concerned are currently on leave.
Regarding an earlier announcement on a cluster of patients infected with Influenza A in a female ward of the Department of Medicine in QEH, one more 58-year-old female patient in the ward has presented with upper respiratory tract infection symptoms. Clinical tests were arranged and the test result was positive for Influenza A. The patient is being treated under isolation and is in a stable condition.
Infection control measures have already been stepped up according to established guidelines. All other patients in the wards are under close surveillance.
The cases have been reported to Hospital Authority Head Office and the Centre for Health Protection for necessary follow-up.
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