Hong Kong – 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 (June 30):

     Following a contact tracing investigation, one more 62-year-old male patient in a medical ward of KWH was identified as a carrier of VRE without signs of infection. The patient is in critical condition due to his underlying diseases and now being treated in isolation.

     The ward concerned has adopted the following enhanced infection control measures:

1. Thorough cleaning and disinfection of the ward concerned;
2. Enhanced hand hygiene and application of stringent contact precautions; and
3. Enhanced admission screening for patients and environmental screening procedures.

     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.