Update on cluster of Vancomycin Resistant Enterococci cases in Kwong Wah 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 Kwong Wah Hospital (KWH) gave the following update today (July 6):
 
     KWH has adopted enhanced VRE screening for patients in the medical ward concerned. One more 78-year-old male patient was identified as carrier of VRE without signs of infection. The patient has been discharged earlier.
 
     The ward concerned has adopted the following enhanced infection control measures:
 
1. Thorough cleaning and disinfection of the ward concerned;
2. Application of stringent contact precautions and enhanced hand hygiene for staff and patients; and
3. Enhanced screening for patients.
 
     The hospital will continue the enhanced infection control measures and closely monitor the situation of the ward concerned. The case has been reported to the Hospital Authority Head Office and the Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health for necessary follow-up.