CHP investigates cluster of Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae carrier cases
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The CHP earlier received notification from the Hospital Authority (HA) that five female residents aged 68 to 93 of an RCHE in Chai Wan who attended public hospitals for underlying illnesses, had samples tested positive for CPE upon laboratory tests. All of them carry the bacteria without symptoms of infection. The CHP immediately carried out epidemiological investigations after receiving notifications from the HA. It is found that the CPE might be transmitted within the institution. The CHP is conducting screening at the RCHE concerned to identify other possible carriers.
The CHP conducted a site inspection and found that the RCHE concerned had not fully implemented the related infection control measures. The CHP advised the RCHE to implement the necessary infection control measures to further prevent transmission of the resistant bacteria within the institution, including appropriate nursing procedures, thorough environmental cleaning and disinfection, proper hand hygiene for staff and residents.
The CHP will continue to put the RCHE under medical surveillance and investigate the cluster.
Enterobacteriaceae (for example, Escherichia coli and Klebsiella) are common pathogens that can cause infections at different body sites including urinary tract infections, intra-abdominal infections or bacteraemia. CPE are enterobacteriaceae that produce carbapenemase - an enzyme that can deactivate carbapenems and other beta-lactam antibiotics such as penicillins. These bacteria are commonly resistant to multiple antibiotics, limiting therapeutic options, and may render severe clinical infections difficult to treat. The range of diseases associated with CPE varies from asymptomatic carriage to potentially life-threatening or fatal infections. The level of risk depends on which part of the body is affected by the infection and the general health of the patient.
Proper use of antibiotics and maintaining good personal and environmental hygiene, especially hand hygiene, are important for the prevention of emergence and cross-transmission of multi-drug resistant organisms (MDROs) like CPE. In addition, susceptible individuals such as the elderly, infants and young children, pregnant women and people with weakened immunity can lower the risk of contracting MDROs by not eating raw or undercooked foods.
Ends/Friday, August 8, 2025
Issued at HKT 20:04
Issued at HKT 20:04
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