Update on cluster of Vancomycin Resistant Enterococci cases and Rhinovirus cases in New Territories West Cluster
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The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     The spokesperson for New Territories West Cluster (NTWC) gave the following update today (January 26) regarding earlier announcements on clusters of patients with Vancomycin Resistant Enterococci (VRE) and Rhinovirus at Tuen Mun Hospital and Siu Lam Hospital respectively:

     Tuen Mun Hospital has performed contact tracing in accordance with the prevailing infection control guidelines in the male Medicine and Geriatrics Rehabilitation ward concerned and confirmed three more male patients (aged 78 to 86) as having VRE. The patients are being hospitalised under isolation with stable condition.

     In addition, in the male ward for severe intellectual disability concerned at Siu Lam Hospital, four more patients (aged 19 to 63) had presented with respiratory symptoms. Appropriate viral tests were arranged for the patients and the test results for two patients were positive for Rhinovirus. The patients concerned are being treated under isolation with stable condition. Admission to the ward concerned has been suspended and restricted visiting has been imposed.

     NTWC 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/Tuesday, January 26, 2016
Issued at HKT 18:52

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