Cluster of Carbapenemase-Producing Enterobacteriaceae cases at Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospital

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     The spokesperson for Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospital (AHNH) made the following announcement today (September 29):
 
     A 59-year-old male patient underwent routine screening on admission to Prince of Wales Hospital on September 21. He was discharged on September 22 and attended the renal dialysis unit of AHNH for dialysis treatment the next day (September 23), during which he was confirmed as a carrier of Carbapenemase-Producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE). In accordance with the prevailing guidelines, the hospital commenced contact tracing and identified three more male patients aged 36 to 75 who are CPE carriers.

     The unit concerned has adopted the following enhanced infection control measures:
 

1. Enhanced patient and environmental screening procedures;
2. Continued application of stringent contact precautions and enhanced hand hygiene for staff and patients;
3. Enhanced cleaning and disinfection of the environment and facilities of the unit; and
4. Arranging for carriers of CPE to receive dialysis treatment in an isolation cubicle.

 
     The hospital will continue to closely monitor the situation in the unit concerned. The cases have been reported to the Hospital Authority Head Office and the Centre for Health Protection for necessary follow-up.