Update on Candida auris cases in Princess Margaret Hospital
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The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     The spokesperson for Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH) gave the following update today (October 7):
      
     Regarding the situation of Candida auris carrier cases in Kowloon West Cluster (KWC), KWC hospitals have adopted a series of measures to prevent the spreading of Candida auris, including enhanced admission screening and close contact tracing of patients. After the implementation of the above measures, one more 80-year-old male patient in Medical and Geriatric ward of PMH has been confirmed as Candida auris carrier while not having signs of infection. The patient is now being treated under isolation with stable condition.
      
     In accordance with the prevailing guidelines, the hospital will continue contact tracing for the patient. The following enhanced infection control measures have already been adopted:
      
     1. Thorough cleaning and disinfection of the wards concerned;
     2. Enhanced admission screening for patients and environmental screening procedures; and
     3. Application of stringent contact precautions and enhanced hand hygiene for staff and patients.
      
     The hospital will continue to closely monitor the situation of the patient. The case has been reported to the Hospital Authority Head Office and the Centre for Health Protection for necessary follow-up.

Ends/Wednesday, October 7, 2020
Issued at HKT 19:45

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