HONG KONG (PRC SAR): Epi-Surveillance [Since 7/31/09]: H1N1 2009 and H3 co-circulation.

[Giuseppe]

Re: HONG KONG (PRC SAR): Epi-Surveillance [Since 7/31/09]: H1N1 2009 Cases: 4,749 with three deaths, 50 in hospital with zero serious and five critical (as for 8/5/09))

Hong Kong: 225 new cases of human swine influenza (8/6/09)

A spokesman for the Department of Health (DH) said there had been 225 newly confirmed cases of human swine influenza (HSI) (Influenza A H1N1) in the 24 hours to 2.30pm today (August 6).

One of the cases was from an elderly home in Wong Tai Sin.

The new cases involve 111 males and 114 females, aged between 10 months and 83 years.

This brings to 4,974 the total number of human swine influenza cases in Hong Kong.

The case in the elderly home involved an 83-year-old woman who was admitted to Queen Elizabeth Hospital on August 5. Her condition is stable. A respiratory specimen taken from her by the hospital tested positive for HSI. DH staff have visited the institution and provided health advice, the spokesman said.

"There is no influenza-like illness outbreak in the institution and Tamiflu has been given to the staff and close contacts of the patient as antiviral chemoprophylaxis.

"The department will keep the staff and residents of the elderly home under medical surveillance," he said.
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[Giuseppe]

Re: HONG KONG (PRC SAR): Epi-Surveillance [Since 7/31/09]: H1N1 2009 Cases: 4,749 with three deaths, 50 in hospital with zero serious and five critical (as for 8/5/09))

Hong Kong: HA update on Designated Flu Clinic and admitted human swine influenza patients (8/6/09)

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

Regarding the services of the eight Designated Flu Clinics (DFCs) and the confirmed human swine influenza patients admitted to public hospitals, the Hospital Authority (HA) spokesman provided the following updates today (August 6):

The Designated Flu Clinics today (as at 5pm) provide treatment to a total of 769 patients.

As at 2.30pm today, there were 225 newly confirmed cases of human swine influenza in the past 24 hours.

This brings to 4,974 the total number of confirmed human swine influenza cases in Hong Kong.

Currently, a total of 57 confirmed cases are staying in public hospitals for treatment.

Among them, 52 cases are in stable condition (including a 51-year-old male patient of Tuen Mun Hospital who was reported earlier in critical condition and is now changed to stable), one in serious and four in critical condition.

The newly confirmed serious case announced today is a 30-year-old male patient of Tuen Mun Hospital (TMH). He attended the Accident and Emergency Department of TMH on August 4 due to fever and flu-like symptoms. The patient was admitted to isolation ward. His condition deteriorated on August 5 and was immediately transferred to Intensive Care Unit, requiring administration of oxygen. He is now under medication treatment of tamiflu and antibiotics. The patient has history of asthma and attended general out-patient clinic for follow-up. The hospital will closely monitor his condition.

Furthermore, the confirmed cases announced today included seven staff members of public hospitals (three male and four female, including one doctor, three allied health professionals and three supporting staff).

So far there were 100 HA staff members being confirmed as human swine influenza.

Among them, 59 have already recovered and returned to work.

The HA spokesman reminded the public that the eight DFCs have ceased the provision of general outpatient services.

Patients with other illnesses are advised to seek medical treatment at other general outpatient clinics in the district or private practitioners.

Chronic patients who have been pre-scheduled for follow up at the eight DFCs should proceed to their corresponding clinics with drug refill service according to their date of original appointment and bring along the appointment slip and Identity Card.
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[Giuseppe]

Re: HONG KONG (PRC SAR): Epi-Surveillance [Since 7/31/09]: H1N1 2009 Cases: 4,974 with three deaths, 57 in hospital with one serious and four critical (as for 8/6/09))

Hong Kong: 234 new cases of human swine influenza (8/7/09)

A spokesman for the Department of Health said there had been 234 newly confirmed cases of human swine influenza (Influenza A H1N1) in the 24 hours to 2.30pm today (August 7).

The new cases involve 119 males and 115 females, aged between 10 months and 79 years.

This brings to 5,208 the total number of human swine influenza cases in Hong Kong.
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[Giuseppe]

Re: HONG KONG (PRC SAR): Epi-Surveillance [Since 7/31/09]: H1N1 2009 Cases: 4,974 with three deaths, 57 in hospital with one serious and four critical (as for 8/6/09))

Hong Kong: CHP investigating a case of Legionnaires' Disease (8/7/09)

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (August 7) investigating a case of Legionnaires' Disease involving a 77-year-old man.

The patient, living in Yau Ma Tei, developed fever and vomiting on August 2. He attended the Accident and Emergency Department of Kwong Wah Hospital on August 3 and was admitted. He is now in stable condition. His urine sample tested positive for Legionella pneumophila.

The CHP's investigation showed that he had no recent travel history.

This is the 20th Legionnaires' Disease case reported this year. Thirteen cases were reported in 2008, 11 in 2007 and 16 in 2006.

To prevent the disease, people are reminded to observe the following:

• An individual may reduce his/her susceptibility to the disease by avoiding smoking and excessive drinking, and maintaining good health.
• People handling garden soils, composts and potting mixes should take the following precautions:
  • Gently water gardens and composts using low pressure.
  • Open composted potting mixes slowly and make sure the opening is directed away from the face.
  • Wet the soil to reduce dust when potting plants.
  • Avoid working in poorly ventilated places such as enclosed greenhouses.
  • Wash hands carefully afterwards.
• Proper design, operation and maintenance of man-made water systems. For more information about the good practices to be followed in the design, installation, operation and maintenance of man-made water systems, please visit the website of the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (www.emsd.gov.hk/emsd/eng/pps/oa_ld_pub_cp.shtml) for the Code of Practice published by the Prevention of Legionnaires' Disease Committee in 2007.

Information on Legionnaires' Disease and advice on preventive measures can also be found on the CHP's website (www.chp.gov.hk).
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[Giuseppe]

Re: HONG KONG (PRC SAR): Epi-Surveillance [Since 7/31/09]: H1N1 2009 Cases: 4,974 with three deaths, 57 in hospital with one serious and four critical (as for 8/6/09))

Hong Kong: HA update on Designated Flu Clinic and admitted human swine influenza patients (8/7/09)

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

Regarding the services of the eight Designated Flu Clinics (DFCs) and the confirmed human swine influenza patients admitted to public hospitals, the Hospital Authority (HA) spokesman provided the following updates today (7 August):

The Designated Flu Clinics today (as at 5.00pm) provide treatment to a total of 724 patients.

As at 2.30pm today, there were 234 newly confirmed cases of human swine influenza in the past 24 hours.

This brings to 5,208 the total number of confirmed human swine influenza cases in Hong Kong.

Currently, a total of 64 confirmed cases are staying in public hospitals for treatment.

Among them, 58 cases are in stable condition, one in serious and five in critical condition.

The newly confirmed critical case announced today is a 66-year-old female patient of United Christian Hospital (UCH).

The patient developed flu symptoms on 4 August. She attended the Accident and Emergency Department of UCH on 5 August due to shortness of breath and was admitted to medical ward. Positive result of human swine influenza was confirmed on 6 August, she was transferred to isolation ward. Her condition deteriorated today (7 August) requiring administration of oxygen. She is now under medication treatment of Tamiflu and antibiotics. The patient has a history of multiple chronic diseases. The hospital will closely monitor her condition.

Furthermore, the confirmed cases announced today included seven staff members of public hospitals (two male and five female, including one doctor, three nurses, one allied health professional, one clerical staff and one supporting staff).

So far there were 106 HA staff members being confirmed as human swine influenza.

Among them, 68 have already recovered and returned to work.

The HA spokesman reminded the public that the eight DFCs have ceased the provision of general outpatient services.

Patients with other illnesses are advised to seek medical treatment at other general outpatient clinics in the district or private practitioners.

Chronic patients who have been pre-scheduled for follow up at the eight DFCs should proceed to their corresponding clinics with drug refill service according to their date of original appointment and bring along the appointment slip and Identity Card.
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[Giuseppe]

Re: HONG KONG (PRC SAR): Epi-Surveillance [Since 7/31/09]: H1N1 2009 Cases: 5,208 with three deaths, 64 in hospital with one serious and five critical (as for 8/7/09))

Hong Kong: 199 new cases of human swine influenza (8/8/09)

A spokesman for the Department of Health said there had been 199 newly confirmed cases of human swine influenza (Influenza A H1N1) in the 24 hours to 2.30pm today (August 8).

The new cases involve 101 males and 98 females, aged between one and 82 years.

This brings to 5,407 the total number of human swine influenza cases in Hong Kong.
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[Giuseppe]

Re: HONG KONG (PRC SAR): Epi-Surveillance [Since 7/31/09]: H1N1 2009 Cases: 5,208 with three deaths, 64 in hospital with one serious and five critical (as for 8/7/09))

Hong Kong: HA update on Designated Flu Clinic and admitted human swine influenza patients (8/8/09)

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

Regarding the services of the eight Designated Flu Clinics (DFCs) and the confirmed human swine influenza patients admitted to public hospitals, the Hospital Authority (HA) spokesman provided the following updates today (August 8):

The Designated Flu Clinics today (as at 5.00pm) provide treatment to a total of 650 patients.

As at 2.30pm today, there were 199 newly confirmed cases of human swine influenza in the past 24 hours.

This brings to 5407 the total number of confirmed human swine influenza cases in Hong Kong.

Currently, a total of 64 confirmed cases are staying in public hospitals for treatment.

Among them, 57 cases are in stable condition, three in serious (including a 66-year-old female patient of United Christian Hospital, who reported earlier in critical condition and a 45-year-old female patient of Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital (PYNEH), who reported earlier in critical condition) and four in critical condition.

The newly confirmed critical case announced today is a 51-year-old female patient of Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital. The patient attended the Accident and Emergency Department of PYNEH on August 8 due to shortness of breath and was admitted to medical ward. As the patient condition deteriorated, she was transferred to Intensive Care Unit for further treatment and administration of oxygen was given. Positive result of human swine influenza was confirmed today (August 8). She is now under medication treatment of Tamiflu. The patient has a history of multiple chronic diseases. The hospital will closely monitor her condition.

Furthermore, the confirmed cases announced today included eight staff members of public hospitals (one male and seven female, including three nurses, one allied health professional, one clerical staff and three supporting staff).

So far there were 114 HA staff members being confirmed as human swine influenza.

Among them, 68 have already recovered and returned to work.

The HA spokesman reminded the public that the eight DFCs have ceased the provision of general outpatient services.

Patients with other illnesses are advised to seek medical treatment at other general outpatient clinics in the district or private practitioners.

Chronic patients who have been pre-scheduled for follow up at the eight DFCs should proceed to their corresponding clinics with drug refill service according to their date of original appointment and bring along the appointment slip and Identity Card.
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[Giuseppe]

Re: HONG KONG (PRC SAR): Epi-Surveillance [Since 7/31/09]: H1N1 2009 Cases: 5,407 with three deaths, 64 in hospital with three serious and four critical (as for 8/8/09))

212 new cases of human swine influenza

A spokesman for the Department of Health said there had been 212 newly confirmed cases of human swine influenza (Influenza A H1N1) in the 24 hours to 2.30pm today (August 9).

The new cases involve 104 males and 108 females, aged between 10 months and 80 years.

This brings to 5,619 the total number of human swine influenza cases in Hong Kong.
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[Giuseppe]

Re: HONG KONG (PRC SAR): Epi-Surveillance [Since 7/31/09]: H1N1 2009 Cases: 5,407 with three deaths, 64 in hospital with three serious and four critical (as for 8/8/09))

Hong Kong: HA update on Designated Flu Clinic and admitted human swine influenza patients (8/9/09)

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

Regarding the services of the eight Designated Flu Clinics (DFCs) and the confirmed human swine influenza patients admitted to public hospitals, the Hospital Authority (HA) spokesman provided the following updates today (August 9):

The Designated Flu Clinics today (as at 5pm) provide treatment to a total of 469 patients.

As at 2.30pm today, there were 212 newly confirmed cases of human swine influenza in the past 24 hours.

This brings to 5,619 the total number of confirmed human swine influenza cases in Hong Kong.

Currently, a total of 73 confirmed cases are staying in public hospitals for treatment.

Among them, 66 cases are in stable condition, three in serious and four in critical condition.

Furthermore, the confirmed cases announced today included four staff members of public hospitals (one male and three female, including one doctor, two nurses, and one supporting staff).

So far there were 118 HA staff members being confirmed as human swine influenza.

Among them, 68 have already recovered and returned to work.

The HA spokesman reminded the public that the eight DFCs have ceased the provision of general outpatient services.

Patients with other illnesses are advised to seek medical treatment at other general outpatient clinics in the district or private practitioners.

Chronic patients who have been pre-scheduled for follow up at the eight DFCs should proceed to their corresponding clinics with drug refill service according to their date of original appointment and bring along the appointment slip and Identity Card.
-

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[Giuseppe]

Re: HONG KONG (PRC SAR): Epi-Surveillance [Since 7/31/09]: H1N1 2009 Cases: 5,619 with three deaths, 73 in hospital with three serious and four critical (as for 8/9/09))

Hong Kong: Case of necrotising fasciitis under investigation (8/10/09)

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (August 10) received a report of a necrotising fasciitis case (flesh-eating disease) involving a 59-year-old man.

The patient lived in Fanling. He presented with fever, chills, shortness of breath and left arm swelling since July 19 and was admitted to North District Hospital on July 28. The infection extended to other parts of the body. The patient's condition continued to deteriorate and he passed away on August 6. Laboratory tests on the affected tissues yielded Vibrio vulnificus, a type of bacteria causing necrotising fasciitis.

A CHP spokesman said necrotising fasciitis was a serious bacterial infection of the soft tissue and fascia. It could destroy tissue and cause death within 12 to 24 hours after infection.

People are reminded to adopt the following preventive measures:

• Avoid exposure of open wounds or broken skin to seawater or salty water;
• Wounds should be thoroughly cleansed and properly covered;
• Wear thick rubber gloves when handling raw shellfish. Patients should seek medical advice promptly if they developed symptoms and signs of infection like increasing redness, pain and swelling.

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[Giuseppe]

Re: HONG KONG (PRC SAR): Epi-Surveillance [Since 7/31/09]: H1N1 2009 Cases: 5,619 with three deaths, 73 in hospital with three serious and four critical (as for 8/9/09))

Hong Kong: CHP investigating a case of Legionnaires' Disease (8/10/09)

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (August 10) investigating a case of Legionnaires' Disease involving a 78-year-old man.

The patient, living in Tsuen Wan, developed fever, cough, myalgia and tiredness on July 2. He was admitted to Yan Chai Hospital on July 7 and was discharged on July 11. CHP's investigation showed that he had no recent travel history.

This is the 21st Legionnaires' Disease case reported this year. Thirteen cases were reported in 2008, 11 in 2007 and 16 in 2006.

To prevent the disease, people are reminded to observe the following:

• An individual may reduce his/her susceptibility to the disease by avoiding smoking and excessive drinking, and maintaining good health.
• People handling garden soils, composts and potting mixes should take the following precautions:
  • Gently water gardens and composts using low pressure.
  • Open composted potting mixes slowly and make sure the opening is directed away from the face.
  • Wet the soil to reduce dust when potting plants.
  • Avoid working in poorly ventilated places such as enclosed greenhouses.
  • Wash hands carefully afterwards.
• Proper design, operation and maintenance of man-made water systems. For more information about the good practices to be followed in the design, installation, operation and maintenance of man-made water systems, please visit the website of the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (www.emsd.gov.hk/emsd/eng/pps/oa_ld_pub_cp.shtml) for the Code of Practice published by the Prevention of Legionnaires' Disease Committee in 2007.

Information on Legionnaires' Disease and advice on preventive measures can also be found on the CHP's website (www.chp.gov.hk).
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[Giuseppe]

Re: HONG KONG (PRC SAR): Epi-Surveillance [Since 7/31/09]: H1N1 2009 Cases: 5,619 with three deaths, 73 in hospital with three serious and four critical (as for 8/9/09))

Hong Kong: 191 new cases of human swine influenza (8/10/09)

A spokesman for the Department of Health said there had been 191 newly confirmed cases of human swine influenza (Influenza A H1N1) in the 24 hours to 2.30pm today (August 10).

The new cases involve 92 males and 99 females, aged between three months and 73 years.

This brings to 5,809 the total number of human swine influenza cases in Hong Kong.
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[Giuseppe]

Re: HONG KONG (PRC SAR): Epi-Surveillance [Since 7/31/09]: H1N1 2009 Cases: 5,619 with three deaths, 73 in hospital with three serious and four critical (as for 8/9/09))

Hong Kong: HA update on Designated Flu Clinic and admitted human swine influenza patients (8/10/09)

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

Regarding the services of the eight Designated Flu Clinics (DFCs) and the confirmed human swine influenza patients admitted to public hospitals, a Hospital Authority spokesman provided the following updates today (August 10):

The Designated Flu Clinics today (as at 5pm) provided treatment to a total of 788 patients.

As at 2.30pm today, there were 191 newly confirmed cases of human swine influenza in the past 24 hours.

This brings to 5,809 the total number of confirmed human swine influenza cases in Hong Kong.

Currently, 69 confirmed cases are staying in public hospitals for treatment.

Among them, 64 cases are in stable condition, one in serious and four in critical condition.

The confirmed cases announced today included two male staff members of public hospitals (including one clerical staff and one supporting staff).

So far there have been 120 Hospital Authority staff members confirmed with human swine influenza.

Among them, 77 have already recovered and returned to work.

The Hospital Authority spokesman reminded the public that the eight DFCs had ceased the provision of general outpatient services.

Patients with other illnesses are advised to seek medical treatment at other general outpatient clinics in the district or private practitioners.

Chronic patients who have been pre-scheduled for follow up at the eight DFCs should proceed to their corresponding clinics with drug refill service according to their date of original appointment and take the appointment slip and Identity Card.
-

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[Giuseppe]

Re: HONG KONG (PRC SAR): Epi-Surveillance [Since 7/31/09]: H1N1 2009 Cases: 5,809 with three deaths, 69 in hospital with one serious and four critical (as for 8/9/09))

Hong Kong: A patient with HSI positive in KWH found dead (8/10/09)

A patient with HSI positive in KWH found dead

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

Kwong Wah Hospital (KWH) spokesperson made the following announcement today (August 11):

A 54-year old male patient was admitted into Caritas Medical Centre (CMC) medical ward for COAD exacerbation and fever on August 1. He progressed well with medication and oxygen therapy. He was discharged on August 8 with discharge against medical advice.

The patient presented with shortness of breath and cough when attending our A&E Department on August 9 at 10.59am. Preliminary chest X-ray examination showed that the patient suffered from chest infection. He was then transferred to the isolation ward for further care and management.

During hospitalization, the patient was in critical condition.

He was given antibiotics treatment and bronchodilators. Respiratory specimen was taken for laboratory test of human swine flu. On August 10 at around 7am, the patient's condition deteriorated with cardiac arrest. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation was performed but unsuccessful. He was finally succumbed at 10.07am on the same day.

The Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH) Microbiology Laboratory confirmed the positive result of Human Swine Influenza in the evening on August 10 and the case was reported to Hospital Authority (HA) Head Office and Centre for Health Protection.

The case has also been referred to Coroner.

The attending doctor has explained the condition to the patient's family. We would like to express our condolences to the patient's family.

Ends/Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Issued at HKT 00:17
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<cite cite="http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/200908/11/P200908110004.htm">A patient with HSI positive in KWH found dead</cite>

[Giuseppe]

Re: HONG KONG (PRC SAR): Epi-Surveillance [Since 7/31/09]: H1N1 2009 Cases: 5,809 with FOUR deaths, 69 in hospital with one serious and four critical (as for 8/9/09))

Hong Kong: 182 new cases of human swine influenza (8/11/09)

A spokesman for the Department of Health said there had been 182 newly confirmed cases of human swine influenza (Influenza A H1N1) in the 24 hours to 2.30pm today (August 11).

The new cases involve 98 males and 84 females, aged between 10 months and 82 years.

This brings to 5,991 the total number of human swine influenza cases in Hong Kong.
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