Cluster of Vancomycin Resistant Enterococci cases at North District Hospital
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The spokesperson for North District Hospital made the following announcement today (March 6):
An 89-year-old patient in a male medical ward was confirmed to be Vancomycin Resistant Enterococci (VRE) carrier on February 26. In accordance with the prevailing infection control guidelines, the hospital has screened patients who had contact with the index patient. Four more patients (aged 58 to 91) were confirmed to be VRE carriers without any symptoms of infection. Two patients have been discharged earlier while the remaining three patients are still hospitalised under isolation with stable condition.
Admission and visiting to the affected wards have been suspended. The following enhanced infection control measures have already been adopted:
1. Apply stringent contact precautions and enhance hand hygiene;
2. Enhance attention to contamination-prone procedures; and
3. Enhance cleansing and disinfection of the wards concerned.
The cases have been reported to the Hospital Authority Head Office and the Centre for Health Protection for necessary follow-up. The hospital will continue to closely monitor the situation of the wards.
Ends/Tuesday, March 6, 2018
Issued at HKT 20:23
Issued at HKT 20:23
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