***********************************************************
The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:
The spokesperson for Tai Po Hospital made the following announcement today (June 23):
Five patients aged 76 to 93 in a male Medicine and Geriatric ward have been confirmed to be carriers of Multi-drug Resistant Acinetobacter (MDRA) since June 5. Two of them are still hospitalised under medical surveillance and isolation and are in stable condition. The remaining three have been discharged.
Acinetobacter is a bacteria commonly found in water and soil. It can "colonise" or live in a patient without causing infection or symptoms. However, it may sometimes cause disease in patients with a weakened immune system. Effective antibiotics are available for treatment.
The following enhanced infection control measures have been adopted in the ward concerned:
1. Enhance disinfection and cleaning of the ward;
2. Apply stringent contact precautions, including dedicated use of clinical equipment for MDRA carriers and enhanced 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 follow-up. The hospital will continue to closely monitor the situation in the ward.
Ends/Monday, June 23, 2014
Issued at HKT 18:26
NNNN