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Cluster of Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae cases at Queen Elizabeth Hospital
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The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     The spokesperson for Queen Elizabeth Hospital made the following announcement today (July 11):
 
     Three male patients (aged 44 to 85) in a surgical ward have been confirmed to have Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) since July 5. All were without clinical symptoms and in a stable condition. Two of them have been discharged and the remaining patient is under medical surveillance and isolation.
 
     A meeting was held by the Hospital Infection Control Team, the department concerned and experts of the Centre for Health Protection. Infection control measures in the ward have already been stepped up according to prevailing guidelines. All other patients in the ward are under close medical surveillance.
 
     Enterobacteriaceae is a normal gut flora which is commonly found in healthy people. Some Enterobacteriaceae may contain resistant gene which can produce carbapenemase and become Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae. Patients of immunodeficiency are at risk of infection and complication. Colistin is the mainstay of antibiotic treatment.
 
     The cases have been reported to the Hospital Authority Head Office and the Centre for Health Protection for necessary follow up.
 
Ends/Tuesday, July 11, 2017
Issued at HKT 18:00
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