Updates on clusters of Carbapenemase-Producing Enterobacteriaceae cases in Tung Wah Eastern Hospital

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     Regarding an earlier announcement on a cluster of patients confirmed as having Carbapenemase-Producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) in a medicine and rehabilitation ward, the spokesperson for Tung Wah Eastern Hospital gave the following update today (October 30):
 
     The hospital has conducted screening and confirmed four more male patients (aged 80 to 93) as carriers of CPE. They are being treated in isolation and are in stable condition.
 
     The ward concerned will continue to adopt the following enhanced infection control measures:
1. Enhanced patient and environmental screening procedures;
2. Continuing to apply stringent contact precautions and enhanced hand hygiene for staff and patients; and
3. Enhanced cleaning and disinfection for the environment and facilities of the ward.
 
     The hospital will continue to closely monitor the situation in the ward concerned. The case has been reported to the Hospital Authority Head Office and the Centre for Health Protection for necessary follow-up.