KINGSTON, Jamaica – The South East Regional Health Authority (SERHA) says it is closely monitoring three cases of the multi-drug resistant bacteria, Acinetobacter, that have been detected at the Kingston Public Hospital (KPH). 

According to the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), all species of Acinetobacter can cause disease in humans. Outbreaks of Acinetobacter infections typically occur in intensive care units and health care settings housing very ill patients. Acinetobacter infections rarely occur outside of healthcare settings, SERHA explained in a release a short while ago.

The region says it received a report from KPH on Monday indicating the detection of the bacteria. Since receiving the report, SERHA says it has been collaborating with the Kingston and St Andrew Public Health Department, the National Public Health Lab and the Ministry of Health to conduct an epidemiological investigation, in order to implement the most appropriate strategic plan to contain the spread of this infection.

The infection control team at KPH in conjunction with teams from the Public Health Department, National Public Health Lab and Ministry of Health commenced reorientation the staff at KPH on infection control procedures and heightened surveillance on Tuesday, the release added.

Dr Andrei Cooke, SERHA Board Chairman said standard operating procedures are being followed with respect to the treatment of these infected patients, to include barrier nursing.

He also noted that the National Health Fund (NHF) has been contacted, and it has been providing support with the provision of the pharmaceuticals required for the effective treatment of the infected patients.

Senior health officials at KPH have advised that two of the three infected patients are already showing signs of recovery and we await culture results for the third, SERHA said.