The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     The spokesperson for Queen Elizabeth Hospital made the following announcement today (January 7):

     Three patients (aged 78 to 94) in a female medical ward have been confirmed to be Carbapenemase-Producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) carriers without clinical symptoms through screenings since December 31, 2019. Two patients concerned have been transferred to another hospital. They are being treated under isolation with stable condition. The remaining patient has been discharged.  

     The Hospital Infection Control Team has followed up with the departments concerned and the Centre for Health Protection. The following enhanced infection control measures have already been adopted in the ward:
 
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 ward.
 
     The hospital will continue to closely monitor the situation of the ward. The cases have been reported to the Hospital Authority Head Office and the Centre for Health Protection for necessary follow-up.

Ends/Tuesday, January 7, 2020
Issued at HKT 18:29

NNNN