Update on cluster of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus cases in Kwong Wah Hospital

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     Regarding an earlier announcement on a cluster of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) carriers in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), the spokesperson for Kwong Wah Hospital made the following updates today (April 19):

     In accordance with the prevailing infection control guidelines, the hospital has performed an enhanced surveillance and one more patient, a 12-day-old boy, was confirmed as an MRSA carrier without clinical symptoms. The patient is in stable condition and is being treated in isolation.

     The hospital has performed enhanced medical surveillance and screening of the patients in the NICU. The following infection control measures have been stepped up according to established guidelines:
 

1. Thorough cleaning and disinfection of the NICU, including the environment, incubators, equipment and instruments;
2. Enhanced medical surveillance of the patients and environmental screening procedures in the NICU; and
3. Applied stringent contact precautions and enhanced hand hygiene of staff. Family members are reminded that infection control measures must be implemented when visiting their babies.

     As an enhanced infection control measure, admission to the ward concerned has been suspended.

     The case has been reported to the Hospital Authority Head Office and the Centre for Health Protection for follow-up.