Accordingly, on July 28, the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health received a rapid report from the Tropical Diseases Hospital about the test results of 2 suspected COVID-19 cases being treated at City International Hospital, located at 3 17A Street, Binh Tri Dong B Ward, Binh Tan District since July 21.
While waiting for the Ministry of Health to confirm the test results, in order to ensure the safety of patients, medical staff, and to control the risk of disease transmission within the hospital, the Department of Health requested City International Hospital to temporarily suspend examinations and accept new inpatients to review and evaluate the overall COVID-19 prevention measures in the hospital.
The estimated suspension period is 3 days from July 29, 2020. After this period, depending on the actual situation and the report from the Ho Chi Minh City Center for Disease Control (HCDC), the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health will advise and discuss further directions.
The Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health also required City International Hospital to strictly comply with protective measures according to HCDC guidelines; closely coordinate with HCDC to conduct screening tests, quarantine, and monitor the health of healthcare workers who had direct contact with the suspected COVID-19 patient, and to monitor and conduct screening tests on patients currently being treated at the hospital if any abnormal signs appear.
Previously, the patient, born in 1963, of American nationality, residing at 256/43/14 Pham Van Chi, Ward 4, District 6, Ho Chi Minh City, was admitted to City International Hospital at 10:49 PM on July 21. The patient was diagnosed with pulmonary tuberculosis, pneumonia, and mild pleural effusion.
Specifically, the patient’s medical history: about 1 month ago, the patient was treated for pleural effusion at Hoan My Hospital – Da Nang, and then Da Nang General Hospital continued treatment and removed the drainage tube.
During that time, the patient experienced a low-grade fever that persisted along with a cough; treatment did not improve (throat swab sent to Pasteur Institute and awaiting results). During the treatment process, there were 9 individuals including doctors, nurses, and direct care staff who had close contact with the patient, as well as family members from 10:10 AM on July 24 to July 27.
On July 28, 2020, the hospital discharged the patient, transferring them to the Ho Chi Minh City Tropical Diseases Hospital for continued treatment according to the discharge paper signed by Dr. Tran Quang Binh – Deputy Medical Director of City Hospital.