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The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:
The spokesperson for Kowloon East Cluster (KEC) made the following announcement today (August 10):
An 85-year-old male patient in a pulmonary ward in Haven of Hope Hospital was confirmed to be a Vancomycin Resistant Enterococci (VRE) carrier on August 10, and without clinical symptoms. The concerned patient is still hospitalised under medical surveillance and isolation with stable condition.
The following enhanced infection control measures have already been adopted:
1. VRE carriers are cohorted;
2. Applied stringent contact precautions, including dedicated use of clinical items to VRE carriers;
3. Enhanced hand hygiene;
4. Focused more closely on contamination-prone procedures; and
5. Enhanced disinfection and cleansing of the ward concerned.
Moreover, regarding an earlier announcement on a cluster of VRE carriers in Tseung Kwan O Hospital (TKOH), in accordance with the prevailing infection control guidelines, screening of contacts has been performed in TKOH. Two more male patients (aged 70 and 85) were confirmed as VRE carriers without clinical symptoms. Both patients have been discharged.
The hospitals will continue the enhanced infection control measures and closely monitor the situation.
KEC have reported the cases to the Hospital Authority Head Office and the Centre for Health Protection for necessary follow-up.
Ends/Saturday, August 10, 2013
Issued at HKT 18:39
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