Cluster of Carbapenemase-Producing Enterobacteriaceae cases in Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     The spokesperson for Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital (PYNEH) made the following announcement today (March 1):
 
     Five male patients (aged 50 to 84) in a medical ward have been confirmed as being carriers of Carbapenemase-Producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) since February 19. Three patients are hospitalised under isolation in PYNEH and one patient had been transferred to Tung Wah Eastern Hospital for further treatment. The remaining patient had already been discharged.
 
     Following the activation of the Emergency Response Level in public hospitals, the visiting arrangement for the ward has already been suspended. The following enhanced infection control measures have been stepped up 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 hospital will continue to closely monitor the conditions of the other patients in the ward. The cases have been reported to the Hospital Authority Head Office and the Centre for Health Protection for necessary follow-up.