Wan Chai Care Home Outbreak: Four Residents Test Positive for Drug-Resistant Bacteria
SingTao · 4 SOURCESabout 3 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) announced on February 27 the discovery of a carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) carrier cluster at Luk Shan Court Care Home for the Elderly in Wan Chai. Four residents, aged 73 to 90, tested positive as carriers without displaying active infection symptoms. An inspection uncovered inadequate infection prevention and control measures at the facility, with the infection source traced to a previously known carrier at the same floor who contracted the bacteria during hospitalisation.
Key Points
- Four residents (one male, three female) aged 73 to 90 are CPE carriers with stable condition and no related symptoms
- Two residents were hospitalised for pre-existing conditions; admission screening revealed CPE, suggesting infection originated at the care home
- Epidemiological investigation and contact tracing identified two additional carrier cases among the same floor residents
- CHP inspection found the care home failed to properly execute infection control measures; bacteria may have spread via staff or contaminated environment
- Centre has ordered the facility to ensure adequate hand hygiene facilities, intensify environmental cleaning, and segregate carriers in one area
Why It Matters
The outbreak highlights persistent gaps in infection control compliance at elderly care homes, where vulnerable populations face heightened risks from drug-resistant bacteria. The CHP's continued screening and medical surveillance will determine whether the cluster expands, while the facility's corrective actions set a precedent for preventing similar incidents at other residential care homes across Hong Kong .
The outbreak highlights persistent gaps in infection control compliance at elderly care homes, where vulnerable populations face heightened risks from drug-resistant bacteria. The CHP's continued screening and medical surveillance will determine whether the cluster expands, while the facility's corrective actions set a precedent for preventing similar incidents at other residential care homes across Hong Kong .