Cluster of Multi-drug Resistant Acinetobacter cases in Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     The spokesperson for Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital made the following announcement today (October 23):
          
     Three male patients (aged 57 to 66) in a combined neurology and neurosurgery ward have been confirmed to be carriers of Multi-Drug Resistant Acinetobacter since October 16. Two of them are currently under medical surveillance and isolation treatment with stable condition, while the other patient had been discharged earlier.
 
     Following the activation of Emergency Response Level in public hospitals, visiting arrangements have been suspended. The following infection control measures have been stepped up according to established guidelines:
 

1. Enhanced cleaning and disinfection of the ward concerned;
2. Application of stringent contact precautions and enhanced hand hygiene of staff and patients; and
3. Enhanced patient and environmental screening procedures.

  
     All other patients 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.