************************************************************
The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:
The spokesperson of Kowloon Hospital (KH) made the following announcement today (October 26):
An 81-year-old patient admitted to a female rehabilitation ward in KH was confirmed on October 17 to have an infection of Vancomycin Resistant Enterococci (VRE). She has been transferred to the isolation ward for further treatment and observation and is in stable condition. In accordance with infection control guidelines, the hospital has screened patients who had contact with the index patient. Two other patients, aged 77 and 84, who had stayed in the same ward were confirmed to be VRE carriers without clinical symptoms. They have also been transferred to the isolation ward and are in stable condition.
Infection control measures have been stepped up according to established guidelines. All other patients in the concerned ward 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, October 26, 2012
Issued at HKT 18:55
NNNN
