Cluster of new A/H1N1 flu cases confirmed in Hong Kong

Hong Kong on Tuesday confirmed 13 new A/H1N1 flu cases in a male ward of the Siu Lam Hospital (SLH) and two new critical cases of A/H1N1 flu in the city.

According to Hong Kong's Hospital Authority, 13 patients aged 28 to 61 of a male ward in the SLH have presented with fever and flu symptoms since Oct. 24. Viral tests were arranged for them and all were subsequently confirmed with the Influenza A/H1N1 virus. All the patients are being treated under isolation and are in stable condition.

The spokesperson for the SLH said infection control measures of the concerned ward have already been stepped up. Admission to and discharge from the ward have been suspended, while restricted visiting policy has been implemented.

The cases have been reported to the Hospital Authority Head Office and the Center for Health Protection for follow up.

In addition, the Hospital Authority announced two new critical cases of A/H1N1 flu on the same day. One of the cases is a 30-year-old female patient who developed flu symptoms and attended the Accident and Emergency Department of the Prince of Wales Hospital on Oct. 25. Her condition deteriorated on the same day. Positive result of the virus was confirmed on Oct. 26.

The other case is a 47-year-old male patient with flu symptoms who was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit via the Accident and Emergency Department of the Ruttonjee and Tang Shiu Kin Hospital on Oct. 26. He was in critical condition and requires ventilation support. Positive result of the Influenza A/H1N1 virus was confirmed on Oct. 27.

Source: Xinhua