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Cluster of Vancomycin Resistant Enterococci cases in Princess Margaret Hospital
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The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     The spokesperson for Princess Margaret Hospital made the following announcement today (December 23):

     A 76-year-old male patient of a medical ward in Princess Margaret Hospital was confirmed to be infected with Vancomycin Resistant Enterococci (VRE) on December 20. In accordance with prevailing infection control guidelines, the hospital has screened the patients who had contact with the index patient and confirmed three more patients (two male and one female, aged 53 to 84) to be VRE carriers and 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 in the ward:

1. Stringent contact precautions have been applied, including use of dedicated clinical equipment for VRE carriers;
2. Enhanced hand hygiene; and
3. Enhanced attention to contamination-prone procedures.

     The cases have been reported to the Hospital Authority Head Office and the Centre for Health Protection. The hospital has stepped up the infection control measures according to established guidelines and is closely monitoring patients' health.

Ends/Monday, December 23, 2013
Issued at HKT 19:47

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