Update on cluster of Vancomycin Resistant Enterococci cases in Ruttonjee and Tang Shiu Kin Hospitals
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The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     The spokesperson for Rutttonjee and Tang Shiu Kin Hospitals (RHTSK) made the following update today (January 10) regarding an earlier announcement on a cluster of Vancomycin Resistant Enterococci (VRE) carriers in a pulmonary medical ward of Rutttonjee Hospital:

     In accordance with the prevailing infection control guidelines, the hospital has continued to perform contact tracing and confirmed 14 more patients (13 male, one female; aged 45 to 94) as VRE carriers, all without clinical symptoms. Among these 14 patients, six are still hospitalised under medical surveillance and isolation with stable condition. Four patients had passed away due to their underlying disease, while another four patients have been discharged.

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

Ends/Friday, January 10, 2014
Issued at HKT 19:51

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