Update on cluster of Carbapenemase-Producing Enterobacteriaceae in Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospital

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority.

     Regarding a recent announcement on a cluster of patients confirmed to have Carbapenemase-Producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) in the renal dialysis unit of Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospital (AHNH), the spokesman for AHNH made the following update today (October 4):
 
     The hospital has stepped up screening procedures and confirmed that two more female patients (aged 66 and 80) as CPE carriers. One patient has been transferred to Tai Po Hospital for further treatment and is in stable condition. The remaining patient was discharged today.

     The unit concerned will continue to adopt the following enhanced infection control measures:
 

1. Enhanced patient and environmental screening procedures;
2. Apply stringent contact precautions and enhance hand hygiene of staff and patients;
3. Enhanced cleaning and disinfection of the environment and facilities of the unit; and
4. Arrange CPE carriers to receive dialysis treatment in isolation cubicle.

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