Clusters of cases Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae in Kwong Wah Hospital

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     The spokesperson for Kwong Wah Hospital (KWH) made the following announcement today (May 9):
      
     Four male patients (aged 43 to 75) in a surgical ward in KWH have been confirmed to be carriers of Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae upon testing since May 4. Two patients are being treated in isolation at KWH and are in stable condition. A patient was transferred to TWGHs Wong Tai Sin Hospital for further medical care in isolation on May 8 and is in stable condition. The remaining patient has been discharged.
      
     The ward concerned has adopted the following enhanced infection control measures:
      

1. Enhanced patient and environmental screening procedures;
2. Continuing to apply stringent contact precautions and enhanced hand hygiene of staff and patients; and
3. Enhanced cleaning and disinfection for the environment and facilities of the ward.

      
     The hospital will continue to closely monitor the situation in the ward concerned. The cases have been reported to the Hospital Authority Head Office and the Centre for Health Protection for necessary follow-up.