investigation
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The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health and the Hospital Authority (HA) are jointly investigating a cluster of skin infections among newborn babies in Tuen Mun Hospital caused by Staphylococcus aureus (SA).
Initial investigations revealed that six babies born in TMH between August 24 and 29 were identified to have skin infections. The skin infections take the form of blisters and desquamation. SA was recovered from the skin of three babies. All of them are in stable condition.
Staff of the CHP conducted an epidemiological investigation into this cluster upon notification of the outbreak last night (September 4).
¡§SA is a common bacterium causing skin infections. The strain in this cluster is sensitive to methicillin (an antibiotic) and it is not a multi-antibiotic resistant strain,¡ša CHP spokesman said.
TMH has stepped up infection control measures in connection with this cluster. A hotline is also in operation for patient enquiry.
The CHP and TMH are actively looking for additional cases. It is possible that more cases may be found.
"Appropriate measures have been implemented and we are closely monitoring the situation," the spokesman said.
Ends/Monday, September 5, 2005
Issued at HKT 19:31
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