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The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:
The spokesperson for Tung Wah Group of Hospitals Wong Tai Sin Hospital made the following announcement today (October 15):
A 36-year-old male patient admitted to the convalescence ward was confirmed to be a Vancomycin Resistant Enterococci (VRE) carrier on September 30. In accordance with the prevailing infection control guidelines, the hospital has screened patients who had contact with the index patient. Three more male patients (aged 74 to 86) have been confirmed as VRE carriers, but without clinical symptoms. Among the four patients, three are still hospitalised under medical surveillance and isolation. Two are in stable condition while one is in serious condition due to underlying disease. The remaining patient has been discharged.
The following enhanced infection control measures have already been adopted in the ward:
1. Disinfection and cleaning have been enhanced; and
2. Stringent contact precautions have been applied, including dedicated use of clinical items for VRE carriers and enhanced hand hygiene.
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, October 15, 2013
Issued at HKT 19:04
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