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The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:
The spokesperson for Kwong Wah Hospital made the following announcement today (March 10):
A 57-year-old male patient of a surgical ward tested positive for Vancomycin Resistant Enterococci (VRE) on March 4. In accordance with the prevailing infection control guidelines, the hospital has screened patients who had contact with the index patient. Three more patients (two male and one female, aged 48 to 100) have been confirmed to be VRE carriers but without clinical symptoms. Among the four patients, two are still hospitalised under medical surveillance and isolation with stable condition. The remaining two have 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/Monday, March 10, 2014
Issued at HKT 18:42
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