The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     Regarding an earlier announcement on Vancomycin Resistant Enterococci (VRE) carrier cases, the spokesperson for North District Hospital gave the following update today (August 5):

     In accordance with the prevailing infection control guidelines, the hospital commenced contact tracing. Two more male patients in the orthopaedics and traumatology ward aged 75 and 61 were confirmed as VRE carriers. The patients concerned did not have clinical symptoms and are now being treated under isolation in stable condition.

     The ward concerned has 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 ward 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/Friday, August 5, 2022
Issued at HKT 16:15

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