Cluster of Vancomycin Resistant Enterococci cases at Pok Oi Hospital
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The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     The spokesperson for Pok Oi Hospital (POH) made the following announcement today (July 13):

     A 81-year-old female patient in a Mixed Specialty Ward of Pok Oi Hospital was confirmed to have Vancomycin Resistant Enterococci (VRE).  In accordance with the prevailing infection control guidelines, the hospital has screened patients who had contact with the index patient.  Two female patients (aged 31 and 95) who had stayed in the same ward were confirmed to be VRE carriers but without clinical symptoms.  Two of the patients have been discharged and the remaining one is still hospitalised under isolation and medical surveillance in stable condition.

     The concerned ward has adopted the following enhanced infection control measures:

1. Enhanced hand hygiene and stringent contact precautions have been applied
2. Enhanced attention to contamination-prone procedures
3. Enhanced disinfection and cleansing of the concerned ward

     The cases have been reported to the Hospital Authority Head Office and the Centre for Health Protection for necessary follow up. The hospital Infection Control Team will continue to closely monitor the situation of the ward.

Ends/Monday, July 13, 2015
Issued at HKT 20:07

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