CHP probes elderly home CPE cluster

The Centre for Health Protection is investigating a cluster of CPE carrier cases involving five residents of an elderly care home in North Point.

This after two residents living on the same floor of the care home had been admitted to a public hospital due to their underlying illnesses.

Their admission screening samples later tested positive for CPE.

After epidemiological investigations, three patients, two males and one female at the care home, aged between 74 and 94, have been identified CPE carriers.

They are currently in stable condition.

The CHP's further investigation revealed that the source of infection for the aforementioned three carrier cases may have been two other previously identified CPE cases on the same floor of the same elderly home.

CHP said the bacteria were highly likely to have been transmitted within the care home via staff or contaminated environment and objects.