Common Cold virus found in TMH

Following is a press release jointly issued by the Department of Health and the Hospital Authority:

Further tests conducted by the Public Health Laboratory Centre under the Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health on the upper respiratory tract infection in Tuen Mun Hospital showed that five of the six cases were tested positive for human coronavirus OC43 (a common cold virus), which commonly causes common cold or influenza like illnesses. Symptoms are mild, which may include fever, runny nose, and sorethroat. The incubation period ranges from two to four days. Human coronavirus OC43 (a common cold virus) is usually transmitted by inhalation of droplets or aerosols generated by the coughs and sneezes of infected individuals.

Initial laboratory tests on specimens conducted earlier were negative for Influenza A, B virus and SARS coronavirus.

The CHP continues to liaise closely with the Hospital Authority (HA) in monitoring the outbreak of upper respiratory tract infection in Tuen Mun Hospital.

As at noon today (November 25), there was no new case in the ward. The six female patients, aged from 19 to 29, who developed fever and respiratory tract infection symptoms between November 20 and 24, were afebrile. Four of these patients are in stable condition while the other two are in serious condition due to their underlying diseases.

The CHP, in conjunction with the Hospital Authority, is now closely monitoring the situation and the effective implementation of infection control measures. The CHP continues, with the hospital management, to conduct the investigation and put all exposed patients and staff under medical surveillance.

Advice was given on the cohorting of exposed patients, suspension of new admissions, and restriction of visitor entry until the end of the surveillance period. In collaboration with the hospital, CHP is also following up visitors to the affected cases for health advice and medical surveillance.

Ends/Thursday, November 25, 2004