The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     The spokesperson for Kowloon West Cluster (KWC) gave the following update today (September 28):
 
     Regarding an earlier announcement on the measures to prevent the spreading of Candida auris, KWC has enhanced the admission screening and close contact tracing of patients. Four more male patients (aged 27 to 92) in a Medical and Geriatrics Ward of Princess Margaret Hospital have been confirmed as Candida auris carriers while not having signs of infection. As well, during the admission screening at North Lantau Hospital, an 81-year-old male patient who has stayed in an Extended Care Ward has also been confirmed as a Candida auris carrier while not having signs of infection. The five patients are now being treated under isolation with stable condition.
 
     In addition, two male and two female patients (aged 47 to 87) in a mixed Medical and Geriatrics Ward of Caritas Medical Centre have been confirmed to be carriers of Carbapenemase-Producing Enterobacteriaceae since September 1. Three patients are being treated under isolation with stable condition and the remaining patient has been discharged.
 
     In accordance with the prevailing guidelines, KWC will continue contact tracing for the patients. The following enhanced infection control measures have already been adopted:
 

1. Thorough cleaning and disinfection of the wards concerned;
2. Enhanced admission screening, patient screening and environmental screening procedures; and
3. Application of stringent contact precautions and enhanced hand hygiene of staff and patients.

 
     KWC will continue to closely monitor the situation of the ward and the patients. The cases have been reported to the Hospital Authority Head Office and the Centre for Health Protection for necessary follow-up.

Ends/Monday, September 28, 2020
Issued at HKT 19:15

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