CHP investigates cluster of Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae carrier cases
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The CHP received notifications from the Hospital Authority (HA) that nine residents (six males and three females, aged between 76 and 102) living on the same floor of an RCHE in Mong Kok District had been admitted to a public hospital for treatment due to their underlying illnesses in the past two months. Their admission screening samples tested positive for CPE upon laboratory testing. It cannot be ruled out that they were infected at the RCHE before their admission. All patients are carriers, with none of them having exhibited symptoms associated with CPE infection. They are in stable condition.
Following the HA's notifications, the CHP immediately conducted epidemiological investigations and inspected the RCHE concerned. The CHP found that carriers have been detected on the same floor of the RCHE since May this year. The RCHE management had not duly implemented the related infectious disease prevention and control measures, which led to transmission within the RCHE through the staff, contaminated environment or the sharing of items within the facility.
The CHP reminded the RCHE management to strictly adhere to the Guidelines, thoroughly clean and disinfect the environment, and ensure good hand hygiene among staff and residents. The CHP also recommended that the RCHE cohort the carriers in the same area and provide adequate hand-washing facilities.
The CHP will continue to investigate the cluster of cases and conduct screening at the RCHE concerned to determine whether there are any other CPE-carriers. The CHP will also continue to put the RCHE under medical surveillance.
Enterobacteriaceae (such as Escherichia coli and Klebsiella) are common pathogens that can cause infections in various parts of the body, including urinary tract infections, intra-abdominal infections or blood infection. 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 patient's general health.
The proper use of antibiotics and maintaining good personal and environmental hygiene, especially hand hygiene, are important for preventing the emergence and cross-transmission of multi-drug resistant organisms (MDROs), such as CPE. In addition, susceptible individuals such as the elderly, infants, young children, people with weakened immunity and pregnant women can reduce their risk of contracting MDROs by avoiding raw or undercooked foods.
Ends/Tuesday, July 21, 2026
Issued at HKT 19:36
Issued at HKT 19:36
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