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 made the following announcement today (July 5):
 
     During a monthly routine screening, six babies (three male and three female, aged 19 to 51 days) in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit were confirmed to be carriers of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus since July 3, but all without clinical symptoms. Due to their own underlying diseases, all six babies are still being hospitalised under medical surveillance and isolation. Four of them are in stable condition while the other two are in serious condition.
 
     Infection control measures in the ward have already been stepped up according to the prevailing guidelines. All other infants in the ward are under close medical surveillance.
 
     The cases have been reported to the Hospital Authority Head Office and the Centre for Health Protection for necessary follow-up.