Update on cluster of Rhinovirus cases in Siu Lam Hospital

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     Regarding an earlier announcement on a cluster of patients infected with Rhinovirus in a male ward for severe intellectual disability, the spokesperson for Siu Lam Hospital made the following update today (November 17): Three more patients (aged 23 to 57) and a staff member in the ward had presented with respiratory symptoms. Appropriate viral tests had been arranged for the patients and their test results were positive to Rhinovirus. 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.