Cluster of Vancomycin Resistant Enterococci cases in Hong Kong East Cluster
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The spokesperson for Hong Kong East Cluster (HKEC) made the following announcement today (June 7):
A 74-year-old male patient was transferred from Ruttonjee Hospital (RH) to a medical ward of Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital (PYNEH) on May 27 and was confirmed to be a Vancomycin Resistant Enterococci (VRE) carrier on May 28. In accordance with the prevailing guidelines, PYNEH commenced contact tracing. Four male patients (aged 55 to 69) were confirmed to be VRE carriers but without clinical symptoms. The 74-year-old patient and two other patients are under isolation treatment with stable condition. The remaining two patients have passed away due to underlying disease.
The medical ward of RH, where the 74-year-old male patient had been hospitalised, commenced contact tracing in accordance with the prevailing guidelines. Eight male patients (aged 56 to 90) were confirmed to be VRE carriers but without clinical symptoms. Two patients have been discharged and the remaining six patients are under isolation treatment with stable condition.
Following the activation of the Emergency Response Level in public hospitals, the visiting arrangement for the wards has been suspended. The following enhanced infection control measures have been adopted according to established guidelines:
- Enhanced hand hygiene and stringent contact precautions;
- Enhanced attention to contamination-prone procedures; and
- Enhanced disinfection and cleaning of the wards concerned.
HKEC will continue to closely monitor the situation in the wards concerned. The cases have been reported to the Hospital Authority Head Office and the Centre for Health Protection for necessary follow-up.
Ends/Monday, June 7, 2021
Issued at HKT 18:35
Issued at HKT 18:35
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