Cluster of Carbapenemase-Producing Enterobacteriaceae cases in Queen Elizabeth Hospital

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     The spokesperson for Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) made the following announcement today (June 24):

     Five patients (aged 53 to 93) in a male medical ward have been confirmed to be Carbapenemase-Producing Enterobacteriaceae carriers through screening since June 18. One of the patients passed away earlier due to the underlying disease. The remaining four patients are treated under isolation. Among them, one symptomatic patient is in serious condition; three asymptomatic patients are in stable condition. One of the three asymptomatic patients is still hospitalised in QEH and the remaing two patients have been transferred to another hospital. 

     The Hospital Infection Control Team has followed up with the concerned departments and experts of the Centre for Health Protection. The following enhanced infection control measures have already been adopted in the ward:

1. Enhance patient and environmental screening procedures
2. Apply stringent contact precautions and enhance hand hygiene of staff and patients
3. Enhance cleaning and disinfection of the ward

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