Update on cluster of upper respiratory infection cases in Caritas Medical Centre

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     Regarding an earlier announcement on a cluster of patients in the Developmental Disabilities Unit of Caritas Medical Centre with upper respiratory infection, the spokesperson for Caritas Medial Centre gave the following update today (May 7):
 
     Three more patients of the unit (aged 6 to 14) presented with upper respiratory symptoms. Appropriate viral tests were arranged. The test result of one patient was positive for human metapneumovirus and the patient is in serious condition while another patient tested positive for Influenza A virus and is in stable condition. The result of the other patient was positive for both human metapneumovirus and Influenza A virus. The patient is in critical condition owing to underlying illness and is being treated under isolation at United Christian Hospital.
 
     The hospital has informed the relatives of the patients about the situation. Infection control measures of the ward have been enhanced. 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.