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The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:
The spokesperson for TWGHs Wong Tai Sin Hospital (WTSH) and Kwong Wah Hospital (KWH) made the following announcement and update respectively today (June 28):
A 72-year-old male patient in a convalescence ward of WTSH was confirmed to be a Vancomycin Resistant Enterococci (VRE) carrier on June 23. In accordance with the prevailing infection control guidelines, the hospital has screened patients who had contact with the index patient. Three more male patients (aged 76 to 79) were confirmed to be VRE carriers without clinical symptoms. The patients concerned are still hospitalised and are now under medical surveillance and isolation with stable condition.
The following enhanced infection control measures have already been adopted by WTSH:
(1) Disinfection and cleansing of the ward concerned have been enhanced;
(2) Stringent contact precautions have been applied, including dedicated use of clinical items to VRE carriers and enhanced hand hygiene;
(3) All VRE carriers are under medical surveillance and isolation; and
(4) Admission to the ward concerned has been suspended.
Moreover, regarding an earlier announcement on a cluster of VRE in a medical ward of KWH, contact tracing has been performed in accordance with the prevailing infection control guidelines. One more 67-year-old male patient was found to be a carrier of VRE, but without clinical symptoms. The patient concerned has been discharged.
WTSH and KWH have reported the cases to the Hospital Authority Head Office and the Centre for Health Protection for necessary follow-up. Both hospitals will continue to closely monitor the situation of the wards.
Ends/Friday, June 28, 2013
Issued at HKT 20:16
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