Four residents of a local care home have been infected with COVID-19 in a cluster case, but all of them remain in stable condition without severe illness or complications, the Health Bureau (SSM) said in a statement yesterday.
According to the bureau, the cluster involves four residents – three men and a woman – from Happy Nursing Home (幸福安老院) on Avenida do Almirante Lacerda. The patients developed upper respiratory symptoms, including fever, cough and sore throat, on Thursday, the statement said.
All sought medical treatment and some tested positive through rapid COVID-19 antigen tests, the statement noted, adding that the cluster is preliminarily believed to have been caused by a COVID-19 infection.
The bureau underlined that the four patients were in stable condition yesterday, with no severe cases or other serious complications reported, pointing out that it is closely monitoring the health of infected and non-infected residents at the facility.
The care home has strengthened infection control measures, including enhanced cleaning and disinfection, improved indoor ventilation and the isolation of infected residents in accordance with official guidelines, the statement said, adding that it will arrange appropriate medical support for residential care homes when necessary, including telemedicine services or outreach medical teams, to provide timely treatment for residents at high risk of developing severe illness.
The statement noted that antiviral medication can inhibit virus replication, and that elderly people along with those with serious chronic illnesses are at greater risk of severe COVID-19, urging high-risk individuals who develop fever or respiratory symptoms to take a rapid antigen test and seek medical attention promptly if the result is positive, as antiviral treatment within five days of infection can significantly reduce the risk of severe disease and death.
The bureau also urged elderly people, those with chronic illnesses and immunocompromised* individuals who have not yet received the LP.8.1 COVID-19 vaccine** to get vaccinated, saying that the vaccine provides good protection against currently circulating variants and effectively reduces the risk of severe illness and death.
The Health Bureau reminded residents to maintain good personal hygiene, keep indoor areas well ventilated, wear facemasks when experiencing respiratory symptoms or visiting healthcare facilities, seek medical attention promptly if unwell, and receive both seasonal influenza and recommended COVID-19 vaccinations to reduce the risk of infection.
* Immunocompromised means having a weakened immune system with a reduced ability to fight off infections, viruses, and diseases – Gemini
** The LP.8.1 COVID-19 vaccine is an updated shot designed to target the LP.8.1 virus strain, protect against severe illness, and update your body’s immune memory. - Gemini
This infographic provided by the Health Bureau (SSM) yesterday shows its guide to preventing infectious respiratory diseases. The infographic was translated by the Post.
