Update on cluster of Vancomycin Resistant Enterococci cases at Queen Elizabeth Hospital

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     Regarding an earlier announcement on Vancomycin Resistant Enterococci (VRE) carrier cases, the spokesperson for Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) gave the following update today (October 28):

     In accordance with the prevailing infection control guidelines, the hospital commenced contact tracing. Three more female patients (aged 49 to 74) in the same surgical ward were confirmed as VRE carriers while not having signs of infection. One patient had been discharged earlier and the other two patients are currently hospitalised in QEH for treatment in isolation with 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.