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The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:
Regarding the confirmation earlier that there were in-patients found to be Vancomycin Resistant Enterococci (VRE) carriers, the spokesperson of Queen Elizabeth Hospital made the following update today (September 13):
In accordance with the prevailing infection control guidelines, screening of contacts has been performed. Two male patients (aged 79 and 88) were confirmed as VRE carriers, without clinical symptoms, today during the contact tracing. One of them is in stable condition and has been transferred to Kowloon Hospital for further treatment. Another patient succumbed on September 11 because of other illness.
The hospital will continue the enhanced infection control measures and closely monitor the situation.
The cases have been reported to the Hospital Authority Head Office and the Centre for Health Protection for necessary follow-up.
Ends/Thursday, September 13, 2012
Issued at HKT 18:20
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