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The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:
Regarding the announcement earlier on a male medical ward in which there were patients confirmed with Vancomycin Resistant Enterococci (VRE), the spokesperson of Caritas Medical Centre made the following update today (August 18):
One more male patient (aged 79) who had stayed in that medical ward earlier for chest infection was confirmed to be a VRE carrier today. The patient has already been discharged upon recovery.
There are clinical guidelines in public hospitals to ensure proper use of antibiotics, including Vancomycin, and management of VRE carriers. The hospital has stepped up infection control measures according to established guidelines.
The case has been reported to the Hospital Authority Head Office and the Centre for Health Protection for follow-up.
Ends/Thursday, August 18, 2011
Issued at HKT 18:57
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