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 made the following announcement today (May 15):

     Nine patients (aged 57 to 87) in a male medical ward have been confirmed to be asymptomatic carriers of Carbapenemase-Producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) through active screening since April 24. Five patients concerned are still hospitalised and one has been transferred to another hospital. They are being treated under isolation and are in stable condition. The remaining three patients have been discharged.

     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; and
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.