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The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:
The spokesperson for Kowloon Hospital made the following announcement today (July 30):
A 96-year-old female patient of an extended care ward was confirmed to be a Vancomycin Resistant Enterococci (VRE) carrier on July 23. In accordance with the prevailing infection control guidelines, the hospital has screened patients who had contact with the index patient. Two more female patients (aged 67 and 88) have been confirmed to be VRE carriers, both without clinical symptoms. The patients concerned are still hospitalised under medical surveillance and isolation with stable condition.
The following enhanced infection control measures have already been adopted:
1. Single room is arranged for VRE-positive patients;
2. Application of stringent contact precautions, including dedicated use of clinical items to VRE carriers;
3. Enhanced hand hygiene;
4. Focusing more closely on contamination-prone procedures; and
5. Enhanced disinfection and cleansing of the ward concerned.
The cases have been reported to the Hospital Authority Head Office and the Centre for Health Protection for necessary follow-up. The hospital will continue to closely monitor the situation of the ward.
Ends/Tuesday, July 30, 2013
Issued at HKT 17:13
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