Cluster of Rhinovirus 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 (July 26):
 
     Six patients (aged 20 to 44) and a staff member in a female ward for severe intellectual disability presented with respiratory symptoms since July 21. Appropriate viral tests were arranged for the patients and their test results were positive for Rhinovirus. The patients concerned are being treated under isolation. One patient is in serious condition while the other five are in stable condition. The staff member has recovered and resumed duty.
 
     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.