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: 5,809 with FOUR deaths, 69 in hospital with one serious and four critical (as for 8/9/09))

Hong Kong: CHP investigating a case of Legionnaires' Disease (8/11/09)

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (August 11) investigating a case of Legionnaires' Disease involving a 58-year-old man.

The patient, living in Sha Tin, developed fever, cough, chills and rigour on August 1. He was hospitalised on August 7 and is now in critical condition. His urine sample was tested positive for Legionella pneumophila. CHP's investigation showed that he had travelled to the Mainland in late July. His family members are asymptomatic.

This is the 22nd 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: 5,809 with FOUR deaths, 69 in hospital with one serious and four critical (as for 8/9/09))

Hong Kong: HA update on Designated Flu Clinic and admitted human swine influenza patients (8/11/09)

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 (11 August):

The Designated Flu Clinics today (as at 5.00pm) provide treatment to a total of 671 patients.

As at 2.30pm today, there were 182 newly confirmed cases of human swine influenza in the past 24 hours.

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

Currently, a total of 72 confirmed cases are staying in public hospitals for treatment.

Among them, 67 cases are in stable condition, one 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 two nurses and two supporting staff).

So far there were 124 HA staff members being confirmed as human swine influenza.

Among them, 84 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: 5,991 with FOUR deaths, 72 in hospital with one serious and four critical (as for 8/11/09))

Hong Kong: 219 new cases of human swine influenza (8/12/09)

A spokesman for the Department of Health said there had been 219 newly confirmed cases of human swine influenza (Influenza A H1N1) in the 24 hours to 2.30pm today (August 12).

The new cases involve 114 males and 105 females, aged between one month and 72 years.

This brings to 6,210 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: 5,991 with FOUR deaths, 72 in hospital with one serious and four critical (as for 8/11/09))

Hong Kong: CHP urges vigilance against community-associated MRSA (8/12/09)

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (August 12) called on people to be vigilant against infection by community-associated Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) - a drug resistant bacterium.

The appeal was made following the CHP's investigation into a confirmed CA-MRSA case involving a 39-year-old man living in Tuen Mun. The man presented with a right calf injury in mid-July. Redness and swelling increased over the injured area and he was admitted to Tuen Mun Hospital in stable condition on July 24. He was diagnosed to have osteomyelitis at his right tibia. Bone marrow taken from him grew CA-MRSA. The CHP's investigations showed that the patient's household contacts did not develop any symptoms of CA-MRSA infection.

MRSA is a type of staphylococcus aureus that is resistant to beta-lactam antibiotics. It is a common infection worldwide and is usually associated with hospital settings. However, in recent years, many countries observed MRSA infections among healthy individuals in the community. It is mainly transmitted through direct contact with wounds, discharge and soiled areas, usually via hands, which may then contaminate other areas of the body, items or surfaces. Symptoms may include redness, warmth, swelling, skin tenderness or pus drainage. Sometimes more serious effects such as purulent wound infections and severe pneumonia may occur, requiring hospitalisation and special antibiotics for treatment.

The spokesman said the risk of transmission could be minimised by maintaining good personal hygiene including washing hands with soap frequently and wearing gloves when touching grossly soiled items.

"People should clean any broken skin with waterproof adhesive bandages and wash hands before and after touching wounds.

"If they have an open wound, they should avoid contact sports and visiting public bath houses. They should also avoid sharing personal items such as unlaundered towels, clothing or uniforms and razors," the spokesman said.

People should pay special attention to personal hygiene while taking antibiotics as loss of normal bacterial flora during that period predisposes them to CA-MRSA infection. They should eat only well-cooked food and drink boiled water.

For further information on CA-MRSA, please visit the CHP website: www.chp.gov.hk.
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[Giuseppe]

Re: HONG KONG (PRC SAR): Epi-Surveillance [Since 7/31/09]: H1N1 2009 Cases: 5,991 with FOUR deaths, 72 in hospital with one serious and four critical (as for 8/11/09))

Hong Kong: HA update on Designated Flu Clinic and admitted human swine influenza patients (8/12/09)

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 12):

The Designated Flu Clinics today (as at 5pm) provide treatment to a total of 624 patients.

As at 2.30pm today, there were 219 newly confirmed cases of human swine influenza in the past 24 hours.

This brings to 6,210 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, four in serious (one newly confirmed serious case is a 53-year-old male patient of Queen Elizabeth Hospital) and three in critical condition.

The newly confirmed critical case announced today is a 58-year-old male patient of Queen Elizabeth Hospital. The patient was admitted to the medical ward of QEH on July 22 due to pneumonia. The test result of human swine influenza taken during his hospitalization was negative. His condition was stable after treatment and was discharged on July 30.

Subsequently, the patient was admitted to the isolation ward of QEH on August 4 due to cough and fever. His positive result of human swine influenza was confirmed on August 5 and medication treatment of Tamiflu was given. As the patient condition deteriorated, he was transferred to Intensive Care Unit yesterday (August 11) for further treatment and ventilator support. The patient has a history of chronic disease and the hospital will closely monitor his condition.

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

So far there were 134 HA staff members being confirmed as human swine influenza.

Among them, 104 have already recovered and returned to work.

On the other hand, hospital records reveal that there is one critical 90-year-old female patient who have been tested positive for Influenza A (H3) and is currently under proper treatment respectively in the intensive care unit of United Christian Hospital.

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: 6,210 with FOUR deaths, 64 in hospital with four serious and three critical (as for 8/12/09))

Hong Kong: 207 new cases of human swine influenza (8/13/09)

A spokesman for the Department of Health (DH) said there had been 207 newly confirmed cases of human swine influenza (HSI) (Influenza A H1N1) in the 24 hours to 2.30pm today (August 13).

One of the cases was from an elderly home in Yuen Long. The new cases involve 100 males and 107 females, aged between six months and 78 years.

This brings to 6,417 the total number of human swine influenza cases in Hong Kong.

The case in the elderly home involved a 47-year-old man with underlying chronic illness. He developed fever and cough on August 10 and was admitted to Tuen Mun Hospital yesterday (August 12). His current condition is stable. A respiratory specimen taken from him by the hospital was tested positive for HSI. Department of Health staff had 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: 6,210 with FOUR deaths, 64 in hospital with four serious and three critical (as for 8/12/09))

Hong Kong: HA update on Designated Flu Clinic and admitted human swine influenza patients (8/13/09)

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 13):

The Designated Flu Clinics today (as at 5pm) provide treatment to a total of 648 patients.

As at 2.30pm today, there were 207 newly confirmed cases of human swine influenza in the past 24 hours.

This brings to 6,417 the total number of confirmed human swine influenza cases in Hong Kong.

Currently, a total of 47 confirmed cases are staying in public hospitals for treatment.

Among them, 40 cases are in stable condition, four in serious (one newly confirmed serious case is a 26-year-old female patient of United Christian Hospital) and three in critical condition.

Furthermore, the confirmed cases announced today included four female staff members of public hospitals (including one nurses, two clerical staff and one supporting staff). So far there were 138 HA staff members being confirmed as human swine influenza. Among them, 97 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: 6,417 with FOUR deaths, 47 in hospital with four serious and three critical (as for 8/13/09))

Hong Kong: Fatal case of necrotising fasciitis under investigation (8/14/09)

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (August 14) received a report of a fatal case of necrotising fasciitis (flesh-eating disease) involving a 58-year-old man who had chronic heart disease.

The patient lived in Eastern District. He presented with fever and swelling over the right forearm and hand on August 10. He was admitted to Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital on August 12. The patient's condition continued to deteriorate and he passed away yesterday. Laboratory tests on the tissues from his right forearm 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: 6,417 with FOUR deaths, 47 in hospital with four serious and three critical (as for 8/13/09))

Hong Kong: CHP investigating two cases of Legionnaires' Disease (8/14/09)

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (August 14) investigating two cases of Legionnaires' Disease.

The first case involved a 43-year-old man living in Sai Kung. He developed cough, runny nose, sore throat and fever since July 12. He was admitted to Tseung Kwan O Hospital (TKO) on July 17 and was discharged against medical advice on July 20. The patient was re-admitted to TKO hospital for persistent fever and cough on July 22 and was discharged on July 24. His current condition is stable. His sputum sample was tested positive for Legionella pneumophila.

The second case involved a 70-year-old man living in Wong Tai Sin. He had history of chronic illness. He presented with fever and cough since August 12 and was admitted to Queen Elizabeth Hospital the next day. He is now in critical condition. His urine sample was tested positive for Legionella pneumophila. CHP's investigation showed that both of the patients had no travel history before onset of the symptoms. Their family members are asymptomatic.

These are the 23rd and 24th Legionnaires' Disease cases 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: 6,417 with FOUR deaths, 47 in hospital with four serious and three critical (as for 8/13/09))

Hong Kong: 224 new cases of human swine influenza (8/14/09)

A spokesman for the Department of Health said there had been 224 newly confirmed cases of human swine influenza (Influenza A H1N1) in the 24 hours to 2.30pm today (August 14).

The new cases involve 121 males and 103 females, aged between two months and 73 years.

This brings to 6,640 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: 6,417 with FOUR deaths, 47 in hospital with four serious and three critical (as for 8/13/09))

Hong Kong: HA update on Designated Flu Clinic and admitted human swine influenza patients (8/14/09)

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 14):

The Designated Flu Clinics today (as at 5pm) provided treatment to a total of 621 patients.

As at 2.30pm today (August 14), there were 224 newly confirmed cases of human swine influenza in the past 24 hours.

This brings to 6,640 the total number of confirmed human swine influenza cases in Hong Kong.

Currently, 48 confirmed cases are staying in public hospitals for treatment.

Among them, 39 cases are in stable condition, four in serious and five in critical condition.

The newly confirmed critical case announced today is a 60-year-old male patient of United Christian Hospital (UCH). The patient developed flu symptoms on Wednesday (August 12) and he was admitted to isolation ward via Accident and Emergency Department of UCH yesterday (August 13). Positive result of human swine influenza was confirmed yesterday. The patient received Tamiflu medication treatment. His condition deteriorated today and he is on non-invasive ventilation support. The patient has a history of chronic airway disease and the hospital will closely monitor his condition.

Another newly confirmed critical case is a 63-year-old female patient of North District Hospital (NDH). The patient developed flu symptoms on August 6. She was admitted to isolation ward via Accident and Emergency Department of NDH yesterday. Positive result of human swine influenza was confirmed on the same day. She was prescribed Tamiflu and antibiotics. The patient's condition deteriorated today and she is on ventilation support in the intensive care unit. The patient has a history of hypertension. The hospital will closely monitor her condition.

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

So far 146 Hospital Authority staff members have been confirmed as human swine influenza. Of them, 102 have already recovered and returned to work. Hospital records reveal that there are two more critical patients who have been tested positive for Influenza A (H3) and are currently under treatment in the intensive care unit of North District Hospital (20-year-old male) and Tseung Kwan O Hospital (86-year-old male).
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[Giuseppe]

Re: HONG KONG (PRC SAR): Epi-Surveillance [Since 7/31/09]: H1N1 2009 Cases: 6,640 with FOUR deaths, 48 in hospital with four serious and five critical (as for 8/14/09))

Hong Kong: HA update on Designated Flu Clinic and admitted human swine influenza patients (8/15/09)

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 15):

The Designated Flu Clinics today (as at 5pm) provide treatment to a total of 577 patients.

As at 2.30pm today, there were 185 newly confirmed cases of human swine influenza in the past 24 hours.

This brings to 6,825 the total number of confirmed human swine influenza cases in Hong Kong.

Currently, a total of 47 confirmed cases are staying in public hospitals for treatment.

Among them, 38 cases are in stable condition, four in serious and five in critical condition.

The confirmed cases announced today included twelve staff members of public hospitals (two male and ten female, including three doctor, six nurse, and three supporting staff).
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[Giuseppe]

Re: HONG KONG (PRC SAR): Epi-Surveillance [Since 7/31/09]: H1N1 2009 Cases: 6,640 with FOUR deaths, 48 in hospital with four serious and five critical (as for 8/14/09))

Hong Kong: 185 new cases of human swine influenza (8/15/09)

A spokesman for the Department of Health (DH) said there had been 185 newly confirmed cases of human swine influenza (HSI) (Influenza A H1N1) in the 24 hours to 2.30pm today (August 15).

One of the cases was from an elderly home in Kwai Tsing.

The new cases involve 99 males and 86 females, aged between one and 81.

This brings to 6,825 the total number of human swine influenza cases in Hong Kong.

The case in the elderly home involved a 64-year-old man. He was admitted to Princess Margaret Hospital on August 13. His current condition is stable. A respiratory specimen taken from him by the hospital was tested positive for HSI.

DH staff had 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: 6,825 with FOUR deaths, 47 in hospital with four serious and five critical (as for 8/15/09))

Hong Kong: 246 new cases of human swine influenza (8/16/09)

A spokesman for the Department of Health said there had been 246 newly confirmed cases of human swine influenza (Influenza A H1N1) in the 24 hours to 2.30pm today (August 16).

The new cases involve 131 males and 115 females, aged between nine months and 84 years.

This brings to 7,071 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: 6,825 with FOUR deaths, 47 in hospital with four serious and five critical (as for 8/15/09))

Hong Kong: HA update on Designated Flu Clinic and admitted human swine influenza patients (8/16/09)

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 16):

The Designated Flu Clinics today (as at 5pm) provide treatment to a total of 304 patients.

As at 2.30pm today, there were 246 newly confirmed cases of human swine influenza in the past 24 hours.

This brings to 7,071 the total number of confirmed human swine influenza cases in Hong Kong.

Currently, a total of 58 confirmed cases are staying in public hospitals for treatment.

Among them, 48 cases are in stable condition, four in serious and six in critical condition.

The newly confirmed critical case announced today is a four-year-old boy of Tuen Mun Hospital (TMH).

The patient developed flu symptoms on August 14 and was admitted to isolation ward via Accident and Emergency Department of TMH yesterday (August 15). Positive result of human swine influenza was confirmed on the same day. He was prescribed with Tamiflu and antibiotics. His condition deteriorated yesterday and was transferred to the intensive care unit. He is on ventilation support. The patient has a history of chronic disease. The hospital will closely monitor his condition.

The confirmed cases announced today included four female staff members of public hospitals, including one nurse, and three supporting staff.
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