Update on cluster of Vancomycin Resistant Enterococci cases at TWGHs Wong Tai Sin Hospital

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     Regarding an earlier announcement on a cluster of Vancomycin Resistant Enterococci (VRE) cases, the spokesperson for TWGHs Wong Tai Sin Hospital (WTSH) gave the following update today (May 22):

     Following a contact tracing investigation, two more female patients (aged 89 and 90) in the rehabilitation and extended care ward of WTSH were identified as VRE carriers. The patients concerned 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. Isolation of VRE cases and 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.