Archive: Hong Kong (PRC SAR): Epidemiological Surveillance, Pandemic Influenza H1N1 2009, from Centre of Health Protection (CHP) - Jan 3-Feb 28, 2010

[Giuseppe]

Re: Hong Kong (PRC SAR): Epidemiological Surveillance, Pandemic Influenza H1N1 2009, from Centre of Health Protection (CHP) - Since January 3rd, 2009

Hong Kong: Critical case of human swine influenza in Tseung Kwan O Hospital (1/15/10)

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

The spokesperson of the Tseung Kwan O Hospital (TKOH) made the following announcement regarding a new case of critical human swine influenza (HSI) today (January 15):

A 77-year-old male patient with nasopharyngeal cancer, hypertension, dementia, Parkinsonism and an old cerebral vascular accident attended the Accident and Emergency Department of TKOH today for flu symptoms and was admitted for isolation and treatment.

Positive result for HSI was confirmed on the same day and the patient was prescribed with Tamiflu and antibiotics.

He is now in critical condition and requires ventilation support.

The hospital will closely monitor his condition.
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[Giuseppe]

Re: Hong Kong (PRC SAR): Epidemiological Surveillance, Pandemic Influenza H1N1 2009, from Centre of Health Protection (CHP) - Since January 3rd, 2009

Hong Kong: Statistics on human swine influenza vaccinations (1/15/10)

At least 2,161 doses of human swine influenza (HSI) vaccine were administered at Hospital Authority (HA), Department of Health (DH) and private clinics to target groups during the 24 hours ending at 1pm today (January 15). Of this number, 1,823 were administered at HA and DH clinics while the eHealth System received 338 vaccination reimbursement claims from private doctors. It is expected that some additional vaccinations already given by private doctors will be recorded in the eHealth System later. The administered doses comprised 939 jabs for community-living elderly aged 65 or above; 479 for persons under 65 years with chronic illnesses; 27 for pregnant women; 121 for healthcare workers; 594 for children aged between six months and less than six years; and one for pig farmers and slaughterhouse workers. This brings to at least 135,907 the cumulative total of HSI jabs administered to target groups since the start of the vaccination programme on December 21, 2009.

One report of a serious adverse event with a history of vaccination has been received so far. The patient's clinical features are compatible with Guillain-Barre Syndrome. Investigation by the DH is underway. An expert panel considered that it was not possible to differentiate with reasonable certainty whether the relationship between the HSI vaccination and the patient's symptoms was causal or coincidental.

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[Giuseppe]

Re: Hong Kong (PRC SAR): Epidemiological Surveillance, Pandemic Influenza H1N1 2009, from Centre of Health Protection (CHP) - Since January 3rd, 2009

Hong Kong: Two critical cases of human swine influenza in Tuen Mun Hospital (1/16/10)

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

The spokesperson of Tuen Mun Hospital (TMH) made the following announcement regarding two new critical cases of human swine influenza (HSI) today (January 16):

A 53-year-old female patient with good past health was admitted to the Medical ward of TMH via the Accident and Emergency Department of TMH on January 15 due to fever and flu symptoms. Her condition deteriorated and she was transferred to the Intensive Care Unit on the same day (January 15) for treatment and further observation. The test result for human swine influenza was confirmed positive on January 15. She was prescribed with Tamiflu and antibiotics. She is in critical condition and requires ventilation support. The hospital is closely monitoring her condition.

A 77-year-old male patient with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease attended the Accident and Emergency Department of TMH on January 15 due to fever and dyspnea. Positive result of HSI was confirmed today (January 16). His condition deteriorated to critical on the same day and he was transferred to the Intensive Care Unit. He was prescribed with Tamiflu and antibiotics. He is in critical condition and requires ventilation support. The hospital is closely monitoring his condition.
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[Giuseppe]

Hong Kong: HA announces two fatal cases of human swine influenza (1/17/10)

Hong Kong: HA announces two fatal cases of human swine influenza (1/17/10)

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

The Hospital Authority today (January 17) announced two fatal cases of human swine influenza (HSI):

A 77-year-old male patient with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease attended the Accident and Emergency Department of Tuen Mun Hospital on 15 January due to fever and dyspnea. Positive result of HSI was confirmed yesterday (16 January). The patient's condition became critical and was transferred to the Intensive Care Unit. He was prescribed with Tamiflu and antibiotics and required ventilation support. The patient's condition continued to deteriorate and succumbed at 11.25pm on the same day (16 January). The hospital would like to express condolences to the patient's family.

On the other hand, a 69-year-old male patient with good past health attended the Accident & Emergency Department of Princess Margaret Hospital on 4 January 2010 due to shortness of breath. He was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit and the test result for human swine influenza was confirmed positive on 5 January 2010. The patient required ventilatory support and was prescribed with Tamiflu and antibiotics. He succumbed yesterday (16 January) at 10.45pm. The hospital would like to express condolences to the patient's family.
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[Giuseppe]

Hong Kong: No evidence suggests linkage of fatal case with HSI vaccination (1/18/10)

Hong Kong: No evidence suggests linkage of fatal case with HSI vaccination (1/18/10)

In response to media enquiries concerning a 66-year-old woman with a history of human swine influenza (HSI) vaccination who passed away yesterday (January 17), a spokesman for the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health said that as clarified with the hospital, there is so far no evidence to suggest that the death was related to the HSI vaccination.

The CHP's investigation revealed that the woman had underlying medical conditions requiring regular medication.

She had complained of chills and vomiting on January 16.

She was sent to the Accident and Emergency Department of Princess Margaret Hospital on January 17 and passed away on the same day.

The woman had received the HSI vaccination at a general out-patient clinic on December 24, 2009.

The body of the deceased has been transferred to Kwai Chung Mortuary pending further examination by forensic pathologists.

"So far, no evidence shows that the death was related to HSI vaccination," the spokesman said.
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[Giuseppe]

Hong Kong: HA announces fatal case and critical case of human swine influenza (1/18/10)

Hong Kong: HA announces fatal case and critical case of human swine influenza (1/18/10)

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

The Hospital Authority today (January 18) announced a fatal case and a new critical case of human swine influenza (HSI):

A 52-year-old male patient with end stage renal failure with renal transplant, hypertension and diabetes developed flu symptoms on December 16, 2009, and attended the Accident and Emergency Department of Queen Elizabeth Hospital on December 17.

He was admitted to the isolation ward.

Positive result for HSI was confirmed on December 19 and he was prescribed with Tamiflu and antibiotics.

His condition deteriorated and he was transferred to the intensive care unit with ventilation support.

The patient continued to deteriorate and succumbed at 1.22pm today (January 18).

The hospital would like to express condolences to the patient's family.

A 51-year-old male patient with hypertension and sleep apnea attended the Accident and Emergency Department of Prince of Wales Hospital onJanuary 16 due to fever, cough and shortness of breath. He was admitted to the intensive care unit and positive result for HSI was confirmed the next day (January 17). Tamiflu and antibiotics were prescribed. He is now in critical condition and requires ventilation support.

The hospital will continue to closely monitor his condition.
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[Giuseppe]

Hong Kong: A fatal case of human swine influenza patient at United Christian Hospital (1/19/10)

Hong Kong: A fatal case of human swine influenza patient at United Christian Hospital (1/19/10)

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

The spokesperson of United Christian Hospital (UCH) made the following announcement today (January 19) regarding the death of a human swine influenza (HSI) patient:

A 60-year-old male patient with terminal stage myeloma attended the Accident and Emergency Department of UCH on January 16 with fever and flu-like symptoms. The patient was admitted to the medical ward and was prescribed with Tamiflu and antibiotics. Positive result of HSI was confirmed on January 17 and he finally succumbed at 10:39am today (January 19). The hospital would like to express condolences to the patient's family.

The case has been reported to the Hospital Authority Head Office and the Centre for Health Protection.
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[Giuseppe]

Hong Kong: Critical case of human swine influenza at Tuen Mun Hospital (1/19/10)

Hong Kong: Critical case of human swine influenza at Tuen Mun Hospital (1/19/10)

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

The spokesperson of Tuen Mun Hospital (TMH) made the following announcement regarding a new critical case of human swine influenza (HSI) today (January 19):

A 66-year-old female patient with end stage renal failure and hypertension has developed fever, cough and chest discomfort since January 18.She attended the Accident & Emergency Department of TMH today (January 19).

Her test result for human swine influenza was confirmed as positive on the same day. The patient is currently treated in the intensive care unit. She was prescribed with Tamiflu and antibiotics. She is in critical condition and requires ventilation support.

The hospital is closely monitoring her condition.
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[Giuseppe]

Re: Hong Kong (PRC SAR): Epidemiological Surveillance, Pandemic Influenza H1N1 2009, from Centre of Health Protection (CHP) - Since January 3rd, 2009

Hong Kong: Statistics on human swine influenza vaccinations (1/19/10)

At least 2,014 doses of human swine influenza (HSI) vaccine were administered at Hospital Authority (HA), Department of Health (DH) and private clinics to target groups during the 24 hours ending at 1pm today (January 19).

Of this number, 1,639 were administered at HA and DH clinics while the eHealth System received 375 vaccination reimbursement claims from private doctors. It is expected that some additional vaccinations given by private doctors will be recorded in the eHealth System later. The administered doses comprised 689 jabs for community-living elderly aged 65 or above; 411 for persons under 65 years with chronic illnesses; 22 for pregnant women; 157 for healthcare workers; 734 for children aged between six months and less than six years; and one for pig farmers and slaughterhouse workers.

This brings to at least 140,686 the cumulative total of HSI jabs administered to target groups since the start of the vaccination programme on December 21, 2009.
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[Giuseppe]

Re: Hong Kong (PRC SAR): Epidemiological Surveillance, Pandemic Influenza H1N1 2009, from Centre of Health Protection (CHP) - Since January 3rd, 2009

Hong Kong: Statistics on human swine influenza vaccinations (1/20/10)

At least 1,870 doses of human swine influenza (HSI) vaccine were administered at Hospital Authority (HA), Department of Health (DH) and private clinics to target groups during the 24 hours ending at 1pm today (January 20).

Of this number, 1,579 were administered at HA and DH clinics while the eHealth System received 291 vaccination reimbursement claims from private doctors. It is expected that some additional vaccinations given by private doctors will be recorded in the eHealth System later. The administered doses comprised 566 jabs for community-living elderly aged 65 or above; 408 for persons under 65 years with chronic illnesses; 20 for pregnant women; 196 for healthcare workers; 678 for children aged between six months and less than six years; and two for pig farmers and slaughterhouse workers.

This brings to at least 142,556 the cumulative total of HSI jabs administered to target groups since the start of the vaccination programme on December 21, 2009.
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[Giuseppe]

Hong Kong: HA weekly statistics of Designated Flu Clinics and human swine influenza patients (1/21/10)

Hong Kong: HA weekly statistics of Designated Flu Clinics and human swine influenza patients (1/21/10)

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) today (January 21) provided the following wrap up of the past week:

In the past week (January 14-20), a total of 1,129 patients with flu-like symptoms attended the DFCs.

Among all the confirmed human swine influenza patients, 92 are now staying in public hospitals for treatment, with 68 in stable condition, nine in serious and 15 in critical condition.

Furthermore, the newly confirmed cases in the past week included 26 staff members of public hospitals (seven male and 19 female, comprising one doctor, 10 nurses, two allied health professionals, 11 supporting staff and two administrative/clerical staff).

So far 1,299 HA staff members have been confirmed with human swine influenza.

Among them, 1,287 have already recovered and returned to work.

The HA spokesman reminded members of the public that the eight DFCs run a half-day service from 9am to 1pm during weekends and public holidays, while full-day service (9am to 5pm) is maintained from Mondays to Fridays.
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[Giuseppe]

Re: Hong Kong (PRC SAR): Epidemiological Surveillance, Pandemic Influenza H1N1 2009, from Centre of Health Protection (CHP) - Since January 3rd, 2009

Hong Kong: Statistics on human swine influenza vaccinations (1/21/10)

At least 1,634 doses of human swine influenza (HSI) vaccine were administered at Hospital Authority, Department of Health and private clinics to target groups during the 24 hours ending at 1pm today (January 21).

Of this number, 1,347 were administered at Hospital Authority and Department of Health clinics while the eHealth System received 287 vaccination reimbursement claims from private doctors. It is expected that some additional vaccinations already given by private doctors will be recorded in the eHealth System later. The administered doses comprised 540 jabs for community-living elderly aged 65 or above; 364 for persons under 65 years with chronic illnesses; four for pregnant women; 51 for healthcare workers; 673 for children aged between six months and less than six years; and two for pig farmers and slaughterhouse workers.

This brings to at least 144,190 the cumulative total of HSI jabs administered to target groups since the start of the vaccination programme on December 21, 2009.

A Department of Health spokesman said that the 67-year-old woman with generalised weakness, fever, headache and vomiting admitted to Kwong Wah Hospital for treatment last Friday (January 15) had been classified as a non-Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) case. According to the latest review of her clinical condition by neurologists, all findings do not indicate GBS.
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[Giuseppe]

Re: Hong Kong (PRC SAR): Epidemiological Surveillance, Pandemic Influenza H1N1 2009, from Centre of Health Protection (CHP) - Since January 3rd, 2009

Hong Kong: Statistics on human swine influenza vaccinations (1/22/10)

At least 1,563 doses of human swine influenza (HSI) vaccine were administered at Hospital Authority (HA), Department of Health (DH) and private clinics to target groups during the 24 hours ending at 1pm today (January 22).

Of this number, 1,278 were administered at HA and DH clinics while the eHealth System received 285 vaccination reimbursement claims from private doctors. It is expected that some additional vaccinations already given by private doctors will be recorded in the eHealth System later. The administered doses comprised 489 jabs for community-living elderly aged 65 or above; 348 for persons under 65 years with chronic illnesses; five for pregnant women; 52 for healthcare workers; 666 for children aged between six months and less than six years; and three for pig farmers and slaughterhouse workers.

This brings to at least 145,753 the cumulative total of HSI jabs administered to target groups since the start of the vaccination programme on December 21, 2009.
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[Giuseppe]

Hong Kong: HA announces two fatal cases and one critical case of HSI (1/22/10)

Hong Kong: HA announces two fatal cases and one critical case of HSI (1/22/10)

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

The Hospital Authority today (January 22) announced two fatal cases and one critical case of human swine influenza (HSI):

A 57-year-old female patient with diabetes mellitus attended the Accident and Emergency Department of Caritas Medical Centre on December 16, 2009, for fever and cough. The patient had pneumonia symptoms and was immediately admitted to the intensive care unit. Positive result for HSI was confirmed on the same day. The patient was prescribed with Tamiflu and antibiotics and required ventilation support. Her condition remained critical and she succumbed today at 12.19am. The hospital would like to express its condolences to the patient's family.

A 47-year-old male patient with good health history attended the Accident and Emergency Department of Queen Elizabeth Hospital on November 29, 2009, for flu symptoms. He was admitted to the isolation ward and was prescribed with Tamiflu and antibiotics. Positive result for HSI was confirmed on November 30. The patient's condition deteriorated and he was transferred to the intensive care unit on December 3 and required ventilation support. His condition remained critical and he succumbed yesterday (January 21). The hospital would like to express its condolences to the patient's family.

A 20-year-old male patient with severe congenital heart disease developed fever and flu symptoms and was admitted to the Medical and Geriatric ward via the Accident and Emergency Department of United Christian Hospital on January 20, 2010. His condition deteriorated and he was transferred to the intensive care unit on the same day. He was prescribed with Tamiflu and antibiotics. His test result for HSI was confirmed as positive on January 21. He is in critical condition and requiring ventilatory support. The hospital is closely monitoring his condition.
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[Giuseppe]

Re: Hong Kong (PRC SAR): Epidemiological Surveillance, Pandemic Influenza H1N1 2009, from Centre of Health Protection (CHP) - Since January 3rd, 2009

Hong Kong: SFH on human swine flu vaccine (1/23/10)

Following is the transcript of remarks (English portion) made by the Secretary for Food and Health, Dr York Chow, at a media standup session after officiating at the opening ceremony of Farmfest 2010 today (January 23):

Reporter:
(about human swine flu)

Secretary for Food and Health:
According to the current trend, we expect that if the virus will stay stable as it is, the second wave may not be as severe as we expect. But as most of the experts have said that the influenza virus is always unpredictable, we did not assume that the second wave is not going to be severe at this stage. We have to be well prepared for any type of eventuality, including more severe cases and more people requiring vaccination. Although the number of people vaccinated so far is far below what we have planned, as long as we have the vaccine in store and as a reserve, we can actually face any increase in infections, transmissions and more severe cases in the months to come.

(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript)
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