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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 (November 1):
Two male patients (aged 81 and 84) of a convalescence ward were confirmed to be Vancomycin Resistant Enterococci (VRE) carriers on October 28. In accordance with the prevailing infection control guidelines, the hospital has screened patients who had contact with the two patients. Two more male patients (aged 89 and 94) have been confirmed as VRE carriers, but without clinical symptoms. Among the four patients, two are still hospitalised under observation and isolation with stable condition. The other two have passed away due to their underlying diseases.
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/Friday, November 1, 2013
Issued at HKT 19:20
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