The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     The spokesperson for Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) made the following announcement today (June 21):

     A 74-year-old male patient in an orthopaedic and traumatology ward of QEH was confirmed to be carrying Vancomycin Resistant Enterococci (VRE) on June 10.

     In accordance with the prevailing infection control guidelines, the hospital has conducted contact tracing investigation. Ten more male patients (aged 46 to 92) were found to be VRE carriers. All patients are in stable condition and without clinical symptoms. Seven patients are still hospitalised in QEH for treatment under isolation. A patient has been transferred to Hong Kong Buddhist Hospital, and three patients have been transferred to Kowloon Hospital.

     In addition, eight male patients (aged 65 to 87) in a surgical ward in QEH have been confirmed as VRE carriers through screening since June 17. All patients are in stable condition and without clinical symptoms. Among them, two patients had been discharged and the other patients are currently hospitalised for treatment under isolation. 

     The wards concerned have adopted the following enhanced infection control measures:
 

1. Enhanced patient and environmental screening procedures;
2. Application of stringent contact precautions and enhanced hand hygiene for staff and patients; and
3. Enhanced cleaning and disinfection of the wards concerned.

     The hospital will continue the enhanced infection control measures and closely monitor the situation of the wards. The cases have been reported to the Hospital Authority Head Office and the Centre for Health Protection for necessary follow-up.

Ends/Tuesday, June 21, 2022
Issued at HKT 19:14

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