Update on cluster of Vancomycin Resistant Enterococci cases at Tuen Mun Hospital

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     Regarding an earlier announcement on a cluster of patients confirmed to be carriers of Vancomycin Resistant Enterococci (VRE) in a Medical and Geriatrics ward, the spokesman for Tuen Mun Hospital gave the following update today (October 23):

     In accordance with the prevailing guidelines, the hospital commenced contact tracing. One male and two female patients (aged 58 to 63) are further confirmed as carriers of VRE. One female patient was discharged earlier, while the other two patients are still hospitalized with stable condition.

     The hospital has adopted the following enhanced infection control measures according to the established guidelines:

     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 cases have been reported to the Hospital Authority Head Office and the Centre for Health Protection for necessary follow up. The hospital will continue the enhanced infection control measures and closely monitor the situation of the wards.