2009-07-29
A spokesman for the Department of Health (DH) said there had been 189 newly confirmed cases of human swine influenza (Influenza A H1N1) in the 24 hours to 2.30pm today (July 29).
The new cases involve 104 males and 85 females, aged between seven months and 68 years.
This brings to 3,270 the total number of human swine influenza (HSI) cases in Hong Kong.
Meanwhile, DH is investigating a suspected HSI case involving an 88-year-old woman living in a residential care home for the elderly in Kwai Chung.
The patient developed fever on July 27 and was admitted to Princess Margaret Hospital the following day. Her condition is stable.
The specimen taken from her was tested positive to HSI by the hospital today. Confirmation by the DH's Public Health Laboratory Centre is still pending.
DH had visited the institution and provided health advice, the spokesman said.
So far, 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 continue to put the staff and residents of the elderly home under medical surveillance," he said.
Ends/Wednesday, July 29, 2009