Cluster of Multi-Resistant Acinetobacter Baumannii cases in Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital
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The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     The spokesperson for Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital made the following announcement today (January 30):

     Four male patients (aged 77 to 89) of a medical ward were found to have Multi-Resistant Acinetobacter Baumannii (MRAB) isolated from specimens from December 30, 2013, to January 11, 2014, with one having an infection. Among the four cases, three patients are still hospitalised under medical surveillance and isolation with stable condition. The remaining patient has been discharged.

     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 a weakened immune system. Effective antibiotics are available for treatment. Careful attention to infection control procedures, such as hand hygiene and environmental cleaning, can reduce the risk of transmission.

     The following enhanced infection control measures have already been adopted:

1. Enhance disinfection and cleaning of the ward concerned;
2. Apply stringent contact precautions, including use of dedicated clinical equipment for MRAB carriers and enhance hand hygiene;
3. Isolate the patients concerned in isolation wards; and
4. Enhance 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/Thursday, January 30, 2014
Issued at HKT 19:40

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