April 5, 2003
The following is jointly issued by the Department of Health and the Hospital Authority:
As at 3 pm today (April 5), an additional 39 patients with symptoms of atypical pneumonia were admitted to public hospitals. They include ten healthcare workers and seven patients from Amoy Gardens. The remaining 22 were new patients and contacts of patients with atypical pneumonia.
A total of 107 patients have recovered from atypical pneumonia and have been discharged from public hospitals. Of them, eight were discharged today.
Most of the patients currently in hospital are showing positive responses to the new treatment protocol. One hundred and seven patients are receiving treatment in intensive care unit.
Three male patients all with a history of chronic disease died in hospital today, bring to 20 the total number of deaths relating to atypical pneumonia. They include two patients, aged 73 and 81, who died in Prince of Wales Hospital. The third case, a 52-year-old man, died in Princess Margaret Hospital.
The cumulative number of patients who have been admitted to public hospitals with atypical pneumonia since March 12 is as follows:
| Nature |
Cumulative Number
(The numbers in bracket are those with pneumonia symptoms) |
Total No. of Discharged Patients |
Total No. of
Deaths * |
| Health care workers of Hospitals/Clinics and medical students | 192 (192) | 56 | 20 |
| Patients, family members & visitors | 608 (608) | 51 | |
| Total | 800 (800) | 107 |
| * |
Most of the deaths occurred in individuals who have a history of chronic diseases, or were patients who sought treatment at a relatively late stage of infection. |
Meanwhile, the Department of Health called on grave-sweepers to maintain good personal and environmental hygiene to prevent atypical pneumonia. They should avoid touching the eyes, nose and mouth, and if necessary, wash hands before touching them. Wearing facemask properly also offers satisfactory protection against respiratory tract infections. They should also avoid visiting crowded places and using public transports that are poorly ventilated.