Update on cluster of Vancomycin Resistant Enterococci cases in Kwong Wah Hospital
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The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:
Regarding an earlier announcement on Vancomycin Resistant Enterococci (VRE) carrier cases, the spokesperson for Kwong Wah Hospital gave the following update today (October 7):
Following a contact tracing investigation, one more 39-year-old female patient in the medical ward was identified as a carrier of VRE while not having signs of infection. The patient is now being treated in isolation and is in stable condition.
The hospital will continue the contact tracing investigation of close contacts of the patient in accordance with the prevailing guidelines. A series of enhanced infection control measures have already been adopted to prevent the spread of VRE:
- Thorough cleaning and disinfection of the wards concerned; and
- Application of stringent contact precautions and enhanced hand hygiene for staff and patients.
The hospital will continue to closely monitor the situation of the patient. The case has been reported to the Hospital Authority Head Office and the Centre for Health Protection for necessary follow-up.