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The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:
Princess Margaret Hospital spokesperson has the following announcement today (June 23):
A 63-year-old female patient of a medical ward in Princess Margaret Hospital was confirmed to be a Vancomycin Resistant Enterococci (VRE) carrier on June 20. In accordance with prevailing infection control guidelines, the hospital has screened and found three more female patients (aged 64 to 94) in the same ward confirmed to be carriers of VRE. One of them has been discharged. The other confirmed cases have been transferred to isolation ward for further monitoring and treatment. They are in stable condition.
Admission to the ward has been suspended. The hospital has screened other patients who had stayed in the same ward. The hospital will follow up the condition of the discharged patient. There are clinical guidelines in public hospitals to ensure proper use of antibiotics, including Vancomycin, and management of VRE carriers. The hospital has stepped up the infection control measures according to established guidelines and is closely monitoring patients' health.
The cases have been reported to the Hospital Authority Head Office and the Centre for Health Protection for follow-up.
Ends/Sunday, June 23, 2013
Issued at HKT 16:52
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