Update on cluster of Vancomycin Resistant Enterococci cases in Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital
************************************************************

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     The spokesperson for Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital (PYNEH) made the following update today (June 28) regarding an earlier announcement on a cluster of surgical inpatients confirmed as Vancomycin Resistant Enterococci (VRE) carriers:

     In accordance with the prevailing infection control guidelines, the screening of contacts has been performed. Three more male patients (aged 62 to 84) were confirmed as VRE carriers but without clinical symptoms. Two of them have been discharged and the remaining patient is now under medical surveillance and is in isolation with a stable condition.

     The hospital will continue the enhanced infection control measures and closely monitor the situation. The cases have been reported to the Hospital Authority Head Office and the Centre for Health Protection for necessary follow-up.

Ends/Friday, June 28, 2013
Issued at HKT 19:23

NNNN