Cluster of Vancomycin Resistant Enterococci cases in Princess Margaret Hospital
*****************************************************

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     The spokesperson for Princess Margaret Hospital has the following announcement today (October 26):

     A 72-year-old male patient of a surgical ward in Princess Margaret Hospital was confirmed to be a Vancomycin Resistant Enterococci (VRE) carrier on October 25. In accordance with prevailing infection control guidelines, the hospital has screened and found two more male patients (aged 79 and 94) confirmed to be carriers of VRE without clinical symptoms. They are under isolation for further monitoring and treatment. They are in stable condition.

     The cases have been reported to the Hospital Authority Head Office and the Centre for Health Protection.¡@The hospital has stepped up the infection control measures according to established guidelines and is closely monitoring patients' health.

Ends/Saturday, October 26, 2013
Issued at HKT 18:00

NNNN