Description of the situation
28 July 2003
Disease Outbreak Reported
As of 28 July the Department of Health in Hong Kong SAR China has reported the occurence of four institutional outbreaks of an Influenza-like illness (ILI). Two in elderly homes and two in homes for the mentally deficient including the Lai King Hostel.
The number of affected persons in each of these outbreaks ranged from 7-24. As of 26 July, 31 patients from these institutions remain in hospital. All are in a stable condition except one who has a genetic condition and is in an intensive care unit.
None of the laboratory tests conducted so far is positive for SARS. At least eight patients from the Lai King Hostel outbreak have positive laboratory results for influenza A.
The Government Virus Unit of Hong Kong, SAR China has isolated 2 viruses from this outbreak which are further subtyped as similar to the reference strain A/Panama/2007/99(H3N2), the recommended strain for influenza vaccination for 2003-2004 influenza season by WHO.