Cluster of Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae cases in Hong Kong Buddhist Hospital
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The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     The spokesperson for Hong Kong Buddhist Hospital made the following announcement today (July 26):

     A 91-year-old female patient of a medical ward was confirmed as having Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) with IMP-carbapenemese on July 8. The hospital has continued with the screening procedures for patients with close contact and confirmed three more female patients (aged 83 to 87) as having CRE with IMP-carbapenemese. All patients were without clinical symptoms. One patient had already been discharged while a further two are being cared for under isolation with stable condition.

     The Infection Control Team of the hospital and Kowloon Central Cluster and experts of the Centre for Health Protection have reviewed the cases, and the following enhanced infection control measures have already been adopted in the ward concerned:

1. Enhancing patient screening procedures at the ward;
2. Applying stringent contact precautions, including dedicated use of clinical items for affected patients, and enhanced hand hygiene;
3. Performing environmental sampling;
4. Enhancing cleaning and disinfection of the ward concerned; and
5. Reminding front-line staff on proper use of antibiotics.

     The infection control measures have already been stepped up at the ward according to established guidelines. All other patients in the ward concerned are under close surveillance. The cases have been reported to the Hospital Authority Head Office and the Centre for Health Protection for necessary follow-up.

Ends/Tuesday, July 26, 2016
Issued at HKT 19:05

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