Cluster of Carbapenem Resistant Acinetobacter cases and Multi-drug Resistant Acinetobacter cases in Prince of Wales Hospital

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     The spokesperson for Prince of Wales Hospital made the following announcement today (November 4):
 
     Three female patients (aged 86 to 92) in a medical ward have been confirmed to be carriers of Carbapenem Resistant Acinetobacter since October 12. One of them is currently under medical surveillance and isolation treatment at Cheshire Home, Shatin with stable condition, while one patient had been discharged earlier and the other one had passed away due to underlying disease.
 
     In the same medical ward, three other female patients (aged 46 to 79) have been confirmed to be carriers of Multi-drug Resistant Acinetobacter since October 22. One of them is currently under medical surveillance and isolation treatment with stable condition, while one patient had been discharged earlier and the other one had passed away due to underlying disease.
 
     Following the activation of the Emergency Response Level in public hospitals, the visiting arrangement for the ward has been suspended. The following enhanced infection control measures have already been implemented according to established guidelines:
 

1. Enhanced cleaning and disinfection of the ward concerned;
2. Application of stringent contact precautions and enhanced hand hygiene for staff and patients; and
3. Enhanced patient and environmental screening procedures.

 
     The cases have been reported to the Hospital Authority Head Office and the Centre for Health Protection. The hospital will closely monitor all other patients in the ward.