The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     Regarding an earlier announcement on Vancomycin Resistant Enterococci (VRE) carrier cases, the spokesperson for Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) gave the following update today (June 30):

     In accordance with the prevailing infection control guidelines, the hospital commenced contact tracing. Three more patients (aged 36 to 87) in the orthopaedics and traumatology ward were confirmed as VRE carriers while not having signs of infection. All patients are now being treated under isolation in QEH and are in stable condition.

     Meanwhile, two more patients (aged 52 and 80) in the surgical ward were confirmed as VRE carriers while not having signs of infection. One patient had been discharged earlier. The other patient is currently being treated under isolation in QEH and is in stable condition.

     The wards concerned have adopted the following enhanced infection control measures:
 

1. Enhanced patient and environmental screening procedures;
2. Application of stringent contact precautions and enhanced hand hygiene for staff and patients; and
3. Enhanced cleaning and disinfection of the wards concerned.

     The hospital will continue to closely monitor the situation of the wards and the patients. The cases have been reported to the Hospital Authority Head Office and the Centre for Health Protection for necessary follow-up.

Ends/Thursday, June 30, 2022
Issued at HKT 19:21

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