Update on cluster of Vancomycin Resistant Enterococci cases in North District 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 North District Hospital gave the following update today (August 12):
 
     In accordance with the prevailing infection control guidelines, the hospital commenced contact tracing. One more male patient in the orthopaedics and traumatology ward aged 55 was confirmed as a VRE carrier. The patient does not have clinical symptoms and is now being treated under isolation in 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 ward concerned.
 
     The hospital will continue to closely monitor the situation of the ward and the patients. The case has been reported to the Hospital Authority Head Office and the Centre for Health Protection for necessary follow-up.