Update on cluster of Candida auris cases in Kowloon Central Cluster
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Regarding an earlier announcement on Candida auris carrier cases, the spokesperson for the Kowloon Central Cluster gave the following update today (March 31):
Following a contact tracing investigation, one more 59-year-old male patient in the medicine and geriatrics ward of Hong Kong Buddhist Hospital was confirmed to carry Candida auris without signs of infection. The patient had been discharged earlier.
Two more male patients aged 68 and 74 in the tuberculosis and chest ward of TWGHs Wong Tai Sin Hospital were identified as carriers of Candida auris without signs of infection after a contact tracing investigation. The two patients are now being treated in isolation and are in stable condition.
One more 72-year-old female patient in the rehabilitation ward of Kowloon Hospital was identified as a carrier of Candida auris without signs of infection after a contact tracing investigation. She is now being treated in isolation and is in stable condition.
The hospitals will continue the following enhanced infection control measures in accordance with the prevailing guidelines to prevent the spread of Candida auris:
1. Enhanced admission screening for patients and environmental screening procedures;
2. Applied stringent contact precautions and enhanced hand hygiene of staff and patients; and
3. Thorough cleaning and disinfection of the wards concerned.
The hospitals will closely monitor the situation of the wards concerned. The cases have been reported to the Hospital Authority Head Office and the Centre for Health Protection for necessary follow-up.
Ends/Friday, March 31, 2023
Issued at HKT 19:20
Issued at HKT 19:20
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