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The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:
The spokesperson for Tuen Mun Hospital (TMH) made the following announcement today (May 14):
A 63-year-old male patient in Tuen Mun Hospital was confirmed to be a Vancomycin Resistant Enterococci (VRE) carrier on May 10. He succumbed because of his own underlying illness subsequently.
In accordance with the prevailing infection control guidelines, the hospital has screened patients who had contact with the index patient in five different wards after his admission. Another three male patients (aged 50 to 77) were confirmed to be VRE carriers but without clinical symptoms. All patients are in stable condition. One patient was discharged while the others have been put under medical surveillance and in isolation.
The hospital has stepped up the infection control measures in the five affected wards where the index patient once stayed and, in response to screening culture result, new case admission to one of the concerned wards has been suspended.
The cases have been reported to the Hospital Authority Head Office and the Centre for Health Protection for necessary follow up. The hospital Infection Control Team will continue to closely monitor the situation of the wards.
Ends/Tuesday, May 14, 2013
Issued at HKT 20:25
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