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The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:
Regarding a recent confirmation of a number of male inpatients as carriers of Vancomycin Resistant Enterococci (VRE), the spokesperson of Caritas Medical Centre (CMC) has the following update today (April 8):
Six more patients (aged 81 to 90) were confirmed as VRE carriers after screening today. Three of the patients are under medical surveillance and in isolation, and are in stable condition, while the other three have been discharged.
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, 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 cases have been reported to the Hospital Authority Head Office and the Centre for Health Protection for necessary follow-up.
Ends/Monday, April 8, 2013
Issued at HKT 20:30
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