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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 (May 9):
An 83-year-old male patient of a medical ward in Princess Margaret Hospital was confirmed to be a Vancomycin Resistant Enterococci (VRE) carrier on May 8. In accordance with prevailing infection control guidelines, the hospital has screened and found two more male patients (aged 42 and 64) confirmed to be carriers of VRE without clinical symptoms. They are under isolation for further monitoring and treatment. They are in a stable condition.
The hospital has stepped up the infection control measures according to established guidelines and is closely monitoring patients' health. The following enhanced infection control measures have already been adopted in the ward:
1.VRE positive patients are cohorted;
2.Stringent contact precautions have been applied, including use of dedicated clinical equipment for VRE carriers;
3.Enhanced hand hygiene;
4.Enhanced attention to contamination-prone procedures; and
5.Enhanced disinfection and cleansing of the ward concerned.
The cases have been reported to the Hospital Authority Head Office and the Centre for Health Protection.
Ends/Friday, May 9, 2014
Issued at HKT 18:47
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