Update on cluster of Carbapenemase-Producing Enterobacteriaceae cases in Hong Kong Buddhist Hospital

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     The spokesperson for Hong Kong Buddhist Hospital made the following announcement today (December 24):
 
     An 84-year-old patient in a female medical ward was confirmed as being infected with Carbapenemase-Producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) on December 22. In accordance with the prevailing guidelines, the hospital commenced contact tracing and identified four more female patients (aged 66 to 92) as being CPE carriers without clinical symptoms. One of the patients has been discharged while the remaining three patients are being treated under isolation and in stable condition.
 
     The hospital infection control team has followed up with the departments concerned and the Centre for Health Protection. The following enhanced infection control measures have already been adopted in the ward:
 
1. Enhanced patient and environmental screening procedures;
2. Application of stringent contact precautions and enhanced hand hygiene for staff and patients; and
3. Enhanced cleaning and disinfection of the ward.
 
     The hospital will continue to closely monitor the situation of the ward. The cases have been reported to the Hospital Authority Head Office and the Centre for Health Protection for necessary follow-up.