HONG KONG: The protective measures adopted in public hospitals are sufficient to prevent an outbreak of human swine flu among medical staff, Hospital Authority chairman Anthony Wu said.

Wu made the comment after visiting an infected nurse at the United Christian Hospital in Kwun Tong and meeting with hospital staff yesterday.

The 29-year-old nurse worked on the pediatric isolation ward and had tended to about 20 patients, including a baby confirmed with the virus.

She developed a sore throat on June 13 but continued to work the next day, claiming she was fine. But she got a fever Tuesday and was immediately isolated.

It was reported that the nurse was infected because she had contact with the baby's parents, who were confirmed with the virus but showed no symptoms when the baby was admitted to the hospital.

The nurse is in stable condition.

Wu told reporters that the nurse is recovering fast, and the authority was tracing the contacts of the nurse.

"I am glad that she is recovering fast. I talked to her via phone because she is isolated. She looks good and she was talking happily. I hope that she can be discharged soon," he said.

Wu said he communicated with medical staff, who told him that the protective gears and masks in public hospitals are sufficient.

Medical staff will adhere to hospital guidelines and strengthen protective measures to minimize the risk of infections.

He urged public members visiting hospitals to pay close attention to personal hygiene.

"We have already done what we need to do," he said. "If we can all keep personal hygiene, follow the guidelines and wear masks, the risks will be lowered."

The eight designated flu clinics operated by the authority provided treatment to 425 patients yesterday.

The authority reminded the public that the eight clinics have ceased provision of general outpatient services.

The authority's chief executive Shane Solomon said services have to be adjusted for human swine flu, but medical care to patients in need will be maintained.

(HK Edition 06/19/2009 page1)