Update on cluster of Multi-drug Resistant Acinetobacter cases in Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     Regarding an earlier announcement on a cluster of patients confirmed to be carriers of Multi-Drug Resistant Acinetobacter (MDRA) in a medical ward, the spokesperson for Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital gave the following update today (April 19):

     In accordance with the prevailing guidelines, the hospital commenced contact tracing and identified one more patient, a 57-year-old female, in the same ward as being a carrier of MDRA. The patient is currently under isolation treatment with stable condition.

     Following the activation of the Emergency Response Level in public hospitals, the visiting arrangement has been suspended. The following infection control measures have already been implemented according to established guidelines:
 

1. Enhanced cleaning and disinfection of the ward concerned;
2. Application of stringent contact precautions and enhanced hand hygiene for staff and patients; and
3. Enhanced patient and environmental screening procedures. 

     The case has been reported to the Hospital Authority Head Office and the Centre for Health Protection for necessary follow-up. The hospital will continue to closely monitor the conditions of other patients in the ward.