The spokesperson for the Prince Wales Hospital made the following announcement today (13 March):

Three babies (two male and one female, aged 28 days to 30 days) in a postnatal ward had presented with respiratory symptoms since 25 February 2018. Appropriate microbiological tests had been arranged for the babies and test results were positive to Bordetella Pertussis. Two of them have been discharged while the remaining one is under isolation treatment with stable condition.

In accordance with prevailing infection control guidelines, the hospital has performed contact tracing and no new cases were found.

The hospital infection control team has discussed with the Centre for Health Protection and the following enhanced infection control measures have been adopted:

1. Thorough cleansing and disinfection of the concerned cubicle
2. Enhance environmental hygiene of the ward
3. Carry out stringent infection control measures, including reminding families of babies and visitors to wear surgical masks and wash hands

The cases have been reported to the Hospital Authority Head Office and the Centre for Health Protection for necessary follow-up. The hospital will continue to closely monitor the condition of patients in the ward.