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The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:
Regarding a recent confirmation of a cluster of patients as Vancomycin Resistant Enterococci (VRE) carriers in an extended care ward, the spokesman of Kowloon Hospital (KH) announced the following update today (April 3):
One more 83-year-old male patient has been confirmed as VRE carrier but without clinical symptoms. He had been transferred to Hong Kong Buddhist Hospital for further treatment. The patient is now in stable condition and is under medical surveillance and isolation.
The following enhanced infection control measures have already been adopted:
1. Disinfection and cleansing of the ward concerned have been enhanced;
2. Stringent contact precautions have been applied, including dedicated use of clinical items for the VRE carriers and enhanced hand hygiene;
3. All VRE carriers are under medical surveillance in isolation rooms; and
4. Restricted visiting to the ward concerned is imposed.
The Hospital will continue to closely monitor the situation of the ward. The case has been reported to the Hospital Authority Head Office and the Centre for Health Protection for necessary follow-up.
Ends/Wednesday, April 3, 2013
Issued at HKT 19:48
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