Update on Candida auris cases in Kowloon West Cluster
*****************************************************
Regarding an earlier announcement on Candida auris carrier cases, the spokesperson for Kowloon West Cluster (KWC) made the following update today (December 10):
One more 66-year-old patient in the same male medical ward of Yan Chai Hospital was identified as a Candida auris carrier while not having signs of infection. The patient is now being treated under isolation with stable condition.
In addition, having conducted contact tracing, three more patients (two females and one male, aged 28 to 87) in Princess Margaret Hospital were confirmed as Candida auris carriers while not having signs of infection. The patients are now being treated under isolation. All of them are in stable condition.
In accordance with the prevailing guidelines, KWC 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 wards 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.
KWC 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/Thursday, December 10, 2020
Issued at HKT 20:32
Issued at HKT 20:32
NNNN