Update on cluster of Carbapenemase-Producing Enterobacteriaceae cases in Hong Kong Buddhist Hospital
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Regarding an earlier announcement on clusters of patients confirmed to have Carbapenemase-Producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) in a male medical ward and a female medical ward respectively, the spokesperson for Hong Kong Buddhist Hospital made the following update today (January 5):
The hospital has stepped up screening procedures and identified that one more 81-year-old patient in the male medical ward has been confirmed to carry CPE without signs of infection. He is being treated under isolation in stable condition.
In addition, one more 85-year-old patient in the female medical ward has been confirmed to carry CPE without signs of infection. She had been discharged earlier.
The hospital infection control team has followed up with the concerned departments and the Centre for Health Protection. The following enhanced infection control measures have already been adopted in the wards:
1. Enhanced patient and environmental screening procedures;
2. Applied stringent contact precautions and enhanced hand hygiene of staff and patients; and
3. Enhanced cleaning and disinfection of the wards.
The hospital will continue to closely monitor the situation of the wards. The cases have been reported to the Hospital Authority Head Office and the Centre for Health Protection for necessary follow-up.
Ends/Tuesday, January 5, 2021
Issued at HKT 17:52
Issued at HKT 17:52
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