Update on cluster of Candida auris cases in Queen Elizabeth Hospital
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Regarding an earlier announcement on Candida auris carrier cases, the spokesperson for Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) gave the following update today (September 25):
Following contact tracing investigation, two more male patients (aged 78 and 90) in the cardiothoracic surgery ward were also identified as carriers of Candida auris while not having signs of infection. They are in stable condition. One patient has been discharged earlier and the other patient has been transferred to Kowloon Hospital and is now being treated under isolation.
The hospital will continue the contact tracing investigation of close contacts of the patients in accordance with the prevailing guidelines. A series of enhanced infection control measures have already been adopted to prevent the spread of Candida auris:
- Thorough cleaning and disinfection of the wards concerned;
- Enhanced admission screening for patients and environmental screening procedures; and
- Application of stringent contact precautions and enhanced hand hygiene for staff and patients.
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 Centre for Health Protection for necessary follow-up.
Ends/Sunday, September 25, 2022
Issued at HKT 16:49
Issued at HKT 16:49
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