Cluster of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus cases in Princess Margaret Hospital

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     The spokesperson for Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH) made the following announcement today (August 6):
 
     Three baby boys (aged 23 days to 54 days) of a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of PMH were identified as carriers of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus without clinical symptoms by routine screening on August 2. The three baby boys are still being hospitalised under medical surveillance and isolation. Two of them are in serious condition due to their underlying illness, while the third baby is in stable condition.
 
     The hospital will perform enhanced medical surveillance and screening of the patients in the NICU. The following infection control measures have been stepped up according to established guidelines:
 

1. Thorough cleaning and disinfection of the NICU;
2. Enhanced medical surveillance of the patients and environmental screening procedures in the NICU; and
3. Applied stringent contact precautions and enhanced hand hygiene of staff and patients.

 
     The cases have been reported to the Hospital Authority Head Office and the Centre for Health Protection for necessary follow up.