Cluster of Vancomycin Resistant Enterococci cases in Kowloon Hospital
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The spokesperson for Kowloon Hospital made the following announcement today (May 3):
An 84-year-old in-patient in a male rehabilitation ward was confirmed as carrying Vancomycin Resistant Enterococci (VRE) on April 23. In accordance with the prevailing infection control guidelines, the hospital commenced contact tracing. Eight more male patients (aged 37 to 90) staying in the same ward were confirmed to be VRE carriers. One of the patients was transferred to Queen Elizabeth Hospital for further treatment. The patients concerned are being treated under isolation in the hospitals with stable condition.
The ward concerned has adopted the following enhanced infection control measures:
- Thorough cleaning and disinfection of the ward concerned;
- Enhanced admission screening for patients and environmental screening procedures;
- Enhanced attention to contamination-prone procedures; and
- Application of stringent contact precautions and enhanced hand hygiene for staff and patients.
The hospital will continue the enhanced infection control measures and closely monitor the situation of the ward. The cases have been reported to the Hospital Authority Head Office and the Centre for Health Protection for necessary follow-up.
Ends/Tuesday, May 3, 2022
Issued at HKT 19:00
Issued at HKT 19:00
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