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) made the following update today (July 4):

     In accordance with the prevailing infection control guidelines, the hospital commenced contact tracing. Three more male patients (aged 45 to 86) in the surgical ward were confirmed as VRE carriers, of which a patient passed away earlier due to his underlying disease. One patient had been discharged earlier. The other patient is currently hospitalised in QEH for treatment under isolation. He is in stable condition and is without clinical symptoms.

     The ward concerned has adopted the following enhanced infection control measures:

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

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

Ends/Monday, July 4, 2022
Issued at HKT 19:20

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