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The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:
Regarding the announcement earlier on the neurosurgical department in which there were patients found to have Vancomycin Resistant Enterococci (VRE), the spokesperson of Queen Elizabeth Hospital made the following update today (September 25):
In accordance with the prevailing infection control guidelines, one more female patient, aged 49, is found to have VRE through contact tracing. This patient is in stable condition and under isolation.
There are existing clinical guidelines in public hospitals to guide the appropriate use of antibiotics (including Vancomycin) and on the management of VRE carriers. The hospital has stepped up infection control measures and the situation will be closely observed. The laboratory screening continues to be in progress.
The case has been reported to the Hospital Authority Head Office and the Centre for Health Protection for follow-up.
Ends/Sunday, September 25, 2011
Issued at HKT 16:55
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