Vancomycin Resistant Enterococci cases at Tuen Mun Hospital
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The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     Tuen Mun Hospital (TMH) spokesperson made the following announcement today (December 3):

     Three female patients (aged 85 to 97) in a rehabilitation ward at TMH were confirmed as carriers of Vancomycin Resistant Enterococci (VRE) since November 30. One of the patients (aged 85) succumbed due to her underlying disease this Wednesday (December 1), while the other two patients, aged 94 and 97, are in stable and serious conditions respectively. They are being treated under isolation.

     The hospital has acted according to prevailing infection control guidelines. Screening tests have been arranged for 44 patients who stayed in the same ward, with index cases and results pending. Infection control measures have already been stepped up and all patients concerned are under close surveillance. The cases have been reported to the Hospital Authority Head Office and the Centre for Health Protection for follow up.

Ends/Friday, December 3, 2010
Issued at HKT 19:06

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