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 surgical ward, the spokesperson for Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital gave the following update today (December 22):
      
     In accordance with the prevailing guidelines, the hospital commenced contact tracing and confirmed one more patient, a 79-year-old male, as a carrier of MDRA. The patient has been discharged.
      
     The following enhanced infection control measures have been implemented according to the 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 situation of the ward concerned.