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The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:
Regarding earlier announcements on confirmed clusters of Vancomycin Resistant Enterococci carriers, the spokesperson for Kwong Wah Hospital (KWH) and TWGHs Wong Tai Sin Hospital (WTSH) made the following updates today (July 18):
Contact tracing has been performed by KWH in accordance with the prevailing infection control guidelines. Two more female patients (aged 84 and 88) in the medical ward were found to be carriers of VRE, but without clinical symptoms. One of the patients is still hospitalised and under medical surveillance and isolation with stable condition. The remaining patient has been discharged.
In addition, WTSH has conducted contact tracing in accordance with the prevailing infection control guidelines. Three more male patients (aged 81 to 96) in the convalescence ward were found to be carriers of VRE, but without clinical symptoms. Two of the patients are still hospitalised and under medical surveillance and isolation with stable condition. The other one has passed away due to his underlying disease.
KWH and WTSH 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/Thursday, July 18, 2013
Issued at HKT 18:55
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