The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     The spokesperson for United Christian Hospital (UCH) made the following announcement today (December 24):
 
     A 65-year-old male patient was admitted to the male orthopaedic ward on November 23. His clinical specimen was confirmed to be carrying Multi-drug Resistant Acinetobacter (MDRA) on December 12, without signs of infection. In accordance with the prevailing guidelines, UCH commenced contract tracing in the ward concerned, and four male patients (aged 63 to 79) have been confirmed as being carriers of MDRA. Four of them are currently being treated under isolation with stable condition, while one patient has passed away due to his underlying illnesses.
 
     Following the activation of the Emergency Response Level in public hospitals, visiting arrangements have been suspended. The following enhanced infection control measures have already been adopted in the ward in accordance with the prevailing guidelines:
 
1. Thorough cleaning and disinfection of the ward concerned;
2. Enhanced patient and environmental screening procedures; and
3. Application of stringent contact precautions and enhanced hand hygiene for staff and patients.
 
     The hospital will continue to closely monitor the situation of the patients. The cases have been reported to the Hospital Authority Head Office and the Centre for Health Protection for necessary follow-up.
 

Ends/Thursday, December 24, 2020
Issued at HKT 19:40

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