The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     Regarding an earlier announcement on a cluster of patients carrying Candida auris in a medicine and geriatrics ward, the spokesperson for Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH) gave the following update today (June 21):

     PMH has adopted enhanced Candida auris screening for patients in the ward concerned. During the enhanced screening on June 13, a 65-year-old male patient was identified as a carrier of Candida auris while not having signs of infection. The patient is now being treated in isolation and is in stable condition.

     The hospital will continue the contact tracing in accordance with the prevailing guidelines. A series of enhanced infection control measures have already been adopted:
 

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

     The hospital will continue to closely monitor the situation of the patients. The case has been reported to the Hospital Authority Head Office and the Centre for Health Protection for necessary follow-up.

Ends/Tuesday, June 21, 2022
Issued at HKT 19:08

NNNN