Hospital offers reassurance, and an update
Netcare Olivedale Hospital today, 8 September 2010, issued a further update following the death of two brothers at the facility a number of days ago. The hospital stated that no new cases of the illness have been reported to date and that close personal contacts all remain in good health.
Robert Jordaan, general manager of Netcare Olivedale Hospital, said that diagnostic investigations revealed nothing conclusive but that investigations would continue. He added that more conclusive information was only anticipated within the next week.
Jordaan offered the reassurance that casual contact with family, friends, hospital staff or previous casual contact with the deceased did not pose a risk. A close contact would be considered to be someone who had direct contact with blood or body fluids of the patients.
Possibly a common source?
"It is possible that both young people acquired their illness from a common source that may render the transmission to others less likely. However, precautionary measures will remain in place and the monitoring of close contacts and medical personnel will continue." He explained that key features of the illness included fevers and liver failure.
The hospital said that it would maintain its daily updates while working closely with the National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD), a division of the National Health Laboratory Service, and the Department of Health. Daily meetings between the NICD, the Department of Health and hospital management will continue.
The hospital reassured the public that every possible effort is being made to ensure the safety and wellbeing of patients, healthcare professionals and hospital staff members.
For more information and to read the latest updates, go to www.netcare.co.za.
