Qld virus outbreak report released

The first findings from a probe into a viral outbreak in a far north Queensland hospital has found authorities made appropriate attempts to reduce transmissions.

The response to the outbreak at Herberton Hospital has been investigated since one deceased elderly patient tested positive for the flu-like human metapneumovirus (hMPV) last month.

Another four to die have shown symptoms.

In her interim report released on Friday, chief health officer Dr Jeanette Young found the Cairns and Hinterland Health Service had acted promptly to the outbreak and implemented measures to decrease the risk of transmission.

Dr Young also said staff at the hospital had shown a commitment to quality care and that all relevant legislations and standards had been followed.

Among her recommendations were that authorities work to increase influenza immunisations among staff and patients, especially at facilities treating vulnerable people.

She also said localised isolation procedures should be determined before an outbreak occurs, due to the differing capacities among facilities.

The Herberton Hospital is a 38-bed long-term facility providing aged and palliative care.

Dr Young found it was clean and well-maintained despite its age and that visitors wore masks and symptomatic nurses were sent home during the outbreak.

There was no evidence two other deaths at the hospital were connected to the virus, she found.

"The deaths are a sad event and my condolences go out to those affected," she said.

A final report will be released once the outbreak is declared officially over.