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

     The spokesperson for Yan Chai Hospital (YCH) made the following update today (December 7) regarding an earlier announcement on Candida auris carrier cases in a male medical ward:

     Five more patients (aged 73 to 88) in the same male medical ward of YCH were identified as Candida auris carriers while not having signs of infection. Two patients are now being treated under isolation with stable condition while three patients had been discharged. Among the three discharged patients, two are residents of residential care homes for the elderly. The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) had been informed of the cases for follow-up action.

     In accordance with the prevailing guidelines, the hospital will continue contact tracing for the patients. A series of enhanced infection control measures have already been adopted to prevent the spreading of Candida auris:
 
  1. Thorough cleaning and disinfection of the ward concerned;
  2. Enhanced admission screening for patients and environmental screening procedures;
  3. Application of stringent contact precautions and enhanced hand hygiene for staff and patients;
  4. Introduction of PCR rapid test for early identification of carrier; and
  5. Application of designated equipment for patient use to avoid cross infection.

     The hospital will continue to closely monitor the situation of the patients. The cases have been reported to the Hospital Authority Head Office and the CHP for necessary follow-up.

Ends/Monday, December 7, 2020
Issued at HKT 19:33

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