2005-02-01
Following is a press release jointly issued by the Department of Health and the Hospital Authority:
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health and the Hospital Authority (HA) are conducting investigations into two outbreaks of gastroenteritis involving a total of 10 patients and two healthcare workers in Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospital (AHNH) and Prince of Wales Hospital (PWH).
Two medical staff and three patients (aged 15-month to three-year) in a paediatric ward of AHNH developed symptoms of diarrhea, vomiting and fever between January 25 and 28.
The staff have recovered and two of the patients have been discharged while the remaining patient is still in hospital in stable condition. Stool samples from two cases were positive for rotavirus.
Meanwhile, seven patients, aged between two-month and two-year, from a paediatric surgical ward of Prince of Wales Hospital, developed diarrhea, vomiting and fever between January 26 and 31.
They are all in stable condition and three of them have been discharged.
Stool samples from all of them were positive for rotavirus.
The ward in AHNH was closed for admission on January 31 and reopen today after thorough disinfection.
The ward in PWH has been closed for admission.
Visitors to the two wards are allowed but they need strict observation of personal hygiene. All exposed patients and staff were put under medical surveillance.
As we are approaching the peak season of rotavirus infections, the public are reminded to observe good personal hygiene, especially when caring for young children.
End/Tuesday, February 1, 2005