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The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:
The spokesperson for Caritas Medical Centre (CMC) made the following announcement today (February 6):
Four patients (aged 51 to 83) of Intensive Care Unit (ICU) have been confirmed with Multi-drug Resistant Acinetobacter (MDRA) since January 25. Two patients have passed away due to underlying disease. One patient has been transferred to the Medical Ward with stable condition while another patient is still in ICU and is in critical condition due to underlying disease. Both are currently under medical surveillance and isolation.
Acinetobacter is a bacterium which is commonly found in water and soil. It can also "colonise" or live in a patient without causing infection or symptoms. However, it may sometimes cause disease in patient with weakened immune system. Effective antibiotics are available for treatment.
The infection control measures have already been enhanced in the concerned wards. All other patients in ICU are under close surveillance.
The following enhanced infection control measures have already been adopted in the concerned ward:
1. Enhance disinfection and cleansing of the ward concerned;
2. Apply stringent contact precautions, including dedicated use of clinical equipment for MDRA cases and enhance hand hygiene; and
3. Perform environmental samplings for monitoring.
The cases have been reported to the Hospital Authority Head Office and the Centre for Health Protection for necessary follow up.
Ends/Saturday, February 6, 2016
Issued at HKT 18:16
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