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Infectious disease 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 made the following announcement today (February 2):

     A 97-year-old female patient in an Orthopaedics and Traumatology ward of Tuen Mun Hospital was confirmed as a Vancomycin Resistant Enterococci (VRE) carrier on January 31. In accordance with the prevailing infection control guidelines, the hospital has screened patients who had contact with the index patient. Six more female patients (aged 84 to 97) were confirmed to be VRE carriers without any symptoms of infection. All patients are still hospitalised under isolation and are in a stable condition.

     The ward concerned has adopted the following enhanced infection control measures:
 
  1. Enhanced hand hygiene and stringent contact precautions;
  2. Enhanced attention to contamination-prone procedures; and
  3. Enhanced disinfection and cleansing of the ward concerned.

     Meanwhile, Castle Peak Hospital gave an update on yesterday's (February 1) announcement of a cluster of patients infected with Influenza B in a male forensic psychiatric ward. One more 28-year-old patient in the ward has presented with respiratory symptoms. Appropriate viral tests were arranged for the patient and the test results were positive for Influenza B. The patient is being treated under isolation and is in a stable condition.

     Furthermore, Siu Lam Hospital gave an update on an earlier announcement about a cluster of patients infected with Human Metapneumovirus in a male ward for those with severe intellectual disability. One more 60-year-old patient in the ward has presented with respiratory symptoms. Appropriate viral tests were arranged for the patient and the test results were positive for Human Metapneumovirus. The patient is being treated under isolation and is in a stable condition.

     Admission to the wards concerned has been suspended and restricted visiting has been imposed. Infection control measures have already been stepped up according to established guidelines. All other patients in the wards are under close surveillance.

     The above cases in the three hospitals have been reported to the Hospital Authority Head Office and the Centre for Health Protection for necessary follow up.
 
Ends/Friday, February 2, 2018
Issued at HKT 16:36
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