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 combined neurology and neurosurgery ward, the spokesperson for Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital gave the following update today (October 27):
 
     In accordance with the prevailing guidelines, the hospital commenced contact tracing and identified one more 60-year-old female patient in the same ward as 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 to the ward concerned 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 hospital will continue to closely monitor the situation of the ward. The case has been reported to the Hospital Authority Head Office and the Centre for Health Protection for necessary follow-up.