The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority.

     Regarding an earlier announcement on Candida auris carrier cases, the spokesperson for Princess Margaret Hospital made the following update today (December 24):
 
     Having conducted contact tracing, one more 82-year-old male patient in a surgical ward of the hospital was confirmed as a Candida auris carrier while not having signs of infection. The patient is now being treated under isolation and in stable condition.
 
     The hospital will continue the contact tracing of close contacts of the patient in accordance with the prevailing guidelines. A series of enhanced infection control measures have already been adopted to prevent the spread 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 testing for early identification of carriers; and
5. Application of designated equipment for patient use to avoid cross-infection.

 
     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/Thursday, December 24, 2020
Issued at HKT 19:33

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