Update on cluster of Candida auris cases in Queen Elizabeth Hospital
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The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     Regarding an earlier announcement on Candida auris carrier cases, the spokesperson for Queen Elizabeth Hospital gave the following update today (October 6):

     Following contact tracing investigation, one more 80-year-old male patient in the cardiothoracic surgery ward was identified as a carrier of Candida auris while not having signs of infection and the patient has been discharged earlier.

     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:
 
  1. Thorough cleaning and disinfection of the wards concerned;
  2. Enhanced admission screening for patients and environmental screening procedures; and
  3. 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 concerned. The case has been reported to the Hospital Authority Head Office and the Centre for Health Protection for necessary follow-up.

Ends/Thursday, October 6, 2022
Issued at HKT 14:55

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