Update on cluster of Vancomycin Resistant Enterococci cases in Tseung Kwan O 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 Tseung Kwan O Hospital gave the following update today (April 29):
In accordance with the prevailing infection control guidelines, the hospital carried out contact tracing. Six more patients (aged 68 to 98) in the same medical male ward concerned were confirmed as VRE carriers. Two patients are now being treated in isolation and are in stable condition. Three patients have been discharged and one patient has been transferred to another hospital.
The ward concerned has enhanced the following infection control measures:
1. Application of stringent contact precautions and enhanced hand hygiene for staff and patients;
2. Enhanced attention to contamination-prone procedures; and
3. Thorough cleaning and disinfection of the ward concerned.
The hospital will continue to closely monitor the situation of the ward and the patients. The cases concerned have been reported to the Hospital Authority Head Office and the Centre for Health Protection for necessary follow-up.