The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     Regarding an earlier announcement on a cluster of patients confirmed to have Carbapenemase-Producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) in a Medical Ward, the spokesperson for Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital (PYNEH) gave the following update today (January 17):
 
     In accordance with the prevailing infection control guidelines, the hospital has performed active surveillance and more extensive contact tracing. Three more male patients (aged 81 and 82) have been confirmed to have CPE. One of them has already been discharged, while the remaining two are still hospitalised under isolation in PYNEH and Tung Wah Eastern Hospital with stable condition.
 
     Infection control measures have been stepped up according to the established guidelines in the wards. All other patients in the wards concerned are under close surveillance. 
 
     The cases have been reported to the Hospital Authority Head Office and the Centre for Health Protection for necessary follow-up.

Ends/Tuesday, January 17, 2017
Issued at HKT 19:02

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