Update on cluster of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus cases in Tuen Mun 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, the spokesperson for Tuen Mun Hospital made the following updates today (May 9):
      
     In accordance with the prevailing infection control guidelines, the hospital has performed enhanced surveillance, and one more patient, a 6-day-old baby girl, was confirmed as an MRSA carrier without any symptoms of infection. The patient is being treated in isolation with stable condition.
      
     The hospital has performed enhanced medical surveillance and screening of the patients in the ward concerned. The following infection control measures have been stepped up according to established guidelines:
      

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

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