Hong Kong – Update on cluster of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus cases in Kwong Wah Hospital

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     Regarding an earlier announcement on Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) carriers in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), the spokesperson for Kwong Wah Hospital made the following updates today (March 4):
 
     In accordance with the prevailing infection control guidelines, the hospital has performed tracing investigation. Three more babies (two boys and one girl, aged 25 to 50 days) were confirmed as MRSA carriers without any symptoms of infection. The babies are being treated in isolation. One of them is in serious condition due to his underlying disease while the remaining two babies are in stable condition. The hospital have informed their family members.
 
     The hospital has performed enhanced medical surveillance and screening of the patients in the NICU. The following infection control measures have been stepped up according to established guidelines:
 

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

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