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 (November 16):
 
     Two male patients (aged 72 and 76) in a medical and geriatrics ward of TMH were confirmed to be carrying Vancomycin Resistant Enterococci (VRE) on November 4.
 
     In accordance with the prevailing infection control guidelines, the hospital has conducted contact tracing for the index patient. Seven more male patients (aged 53 to 70) were found to be VRE carriers but without clinical symptoms. Among the nine patients, two patients are still hospitalised with stable condition. One patient has passed away due to his underlying diseases. The remaining six patients have already been discharged.
 
     The ward concerned has adopted the following enhanced infection control measures:
 
1. Enhanced hand hygiene and stringent contact precautions;
2. Enhanced attention to contamination-prone procedures; and
3. Enhanced disinfection and cleaning of the concerned ward.
 
     The hospital will continue the enhanced infection control measures and closely monitor the situation of the ward. The cases have been reported to the Hospital Authority Head Office and the Centre for Health Protection for necessary follow-up.