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Cluster of Multiple-drugs Resistant Acinetobacter cases in Ruttonjee and Tang Shiu Kin Hospitals
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The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     The spokesperson for Ruttonjee and Tang Shiu Kin Hospitals made the following announcement today (February 19):

     Six patients (three male and three female, aged 58 to 93) in a medical ward were confirmed to have Multiple-drugs Resistant Acinetobacter (MDRA) on February 17. Among them, two are still hospitalised under medical surveillance and isolation with stable condition. Two patients have been discharged while two others have passed away due to their underlying disease.

     Acinetobacter is a bacteria which is commonly found in water and soil. It can also colonise or live in a patient without causing infection or symptoms. Acinetobacter poses very little risk to healthy people and does not cause disease most of the time. However, it may sometimes cause disease in patients with weakened immune systems. Effective antibiotics are available for treatment. Careful attention to infection control procedures, such as hygiene and environmental cleaning, can reduce the risk of transmission.

     The following enhanced infection and cleaning measures have already been adopted:

1. Enhancing disinfection and cleaning of the ward concerned;
2. Applying stringent contact precautions, including use of dedicated clinical equipment for MDRA carriers and enhanced hand hygiene;
3. Isolating patients concerned in an isolation ward; and
4. Enhancing attention to contamination-prone procedures.

     The cases have been reported to the Hospital Authority Head Office and the Centre for Health Protection for necessary follow-up. The hospital will continue to closely monitor the situation of the ward.

Ends/Wednesday, February 19, 2014
Issued at HKT 19:40

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