Cluster of Vancomycin Resistant Enterococci cases at Tuen Mun Hospital

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

The spokesperson for Tuen Mun Hospital (TMH) made the following announcement today (August 13):
 
     A 76-year-old male patient in a surgical ward of TMH was confirmed to be infected with Vancomycin Resistant Enterococci (VRE) on August 9. In accordance with prevailing infection control guidelines, the hospital has conducted contact tracing. Nine more male patients (aged 46 to 83) were found to be VRE carriers. The 76-year-old male patient had passed away on August 10 due to his underlying medical conditions. The remaining nine patients are currently being treated in isolation and are in stable condition.
 
The following enhanced infection control measures have already been adopted in the ward concerned:
 

1. Application of stringent contact precautions;
2. Enhanced environmental cleaning and disinfection; and
3. Enhanced hand hygiene for staff and patients.

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