Cluster of Vancomycin Resistant Enterococci cases at Tuen Mun Hospital
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The spokesperson for Tuen Mun Hospital (TMH) made the following announcement today (March 31):
During a routine Vancomycin Resistant Enterococci (VRE) screening conducted by the hospital, a 64-year-old male patient in a medical and geriatrics ward of TMH was confirmed to carry VRE on March 15. In accordance with the prevailing infection control guidelines, the hospital has conducted contact tracing for the index patient. Nine more male patients (aged 51 to 95) were found to be VRE carriers without any symptom of infection. A 78-year-old patient passed away because of his underlying disease. Six other patients (aged 51 to 95) have been discharged and the remaining patients are still hospitalised with 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 cleaning of the concerned ward.
The hospital will continue the enhanced infection control measures and closely monitor the situation of the ward. The cases have been reported to the Hospital Authority Head Office and the Centre for Health Protection for necessary follow up.
Ends/Wednesday, March 31, 2021
Issued at HKT 19:00
Issued at HKT 19:00
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