Cluster of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus 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 (February 22):
 
     Three patients (two male and one female, aged 11 to 23 days) of a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of QEH were confirmed to be carriers of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus without clinical symptoms by routine screening and contact tracing since February 11. Three patients are still hospitalised due to their own underlying diseases with stable condition. They are under medical surveillance and isolation.
 
     Infection control measures of the ward have already been stepped up according to 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.