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The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:
Following an earlier announcement concerning patients who were confirmed to be carriers of Vancomycin Resistant Enterococci (VRE), a spokesperson for Princess Margaret Hospital gave the following update today (August 1):
In accordance with prevailing infection control guidelines, the hospital conducted screening and found three more male patients (aged 71 to 87) to be carriers of VRE. They have been transferred to the isolation ward of the Hospital Authority Infectious Disease Centre for further monitoring or treatment.
There are clinical guidelines in public hospitals to ensure proper use of antibiotics, including Vancomycin, and management of VRE carriers. The hospital has stepped up infection control measures according to established guidelines and is closely monitoring patients' health.
The cases have been reported to the Hospital Authority Head Office and the Centre for Health Protection for follow-up.
Ends/Wednesday, August 1, 2012
Issued at HKT 19:06
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