Clusters of Candida auris cases update and Influenza A cases in Kowloon Central Cluster
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The spokesperson for the Kowloon Central Cluster made the following announcement today (April 18):
Regarding an earlier announcement on Candida auris carrier cases in the medicine and geriatrics ward of Hong Kong Buddhist Hospital, one more 75-year-old male patient following a contact tracing investigation was confirmed to carry Candida auris without signs of infection. The patient is now being hospitalised in Queen Elizabeth Hospital due to his underlying disease.
Regarding an earlier announcement on Candida auris carrier cases in the medical convalescent ward of Kowloon Hospital (KH), one more 94-year-old female patient following a contact tracing investigation was also identified as a carrier of Candida auris while not having signs of infection.
The two patients are now treated under isolation and are in stable condition.
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
- Applied stringent contact precautions and enhanced hand hygiene of staff and patients.
In addition, six male patients (aged 69 to 87) in an extended care ward of KH have presented with respiratory symptoms since April 16. Appropriate viral tests had been arranged for the patients and their test results were positive for Influenza A. The patients concerned are being treated under isolation. Three patients are in serious condition. The other three patients are in stable condition.
Infection control measures have already been stepped up according to established guidelines. All other patients in the ward are under close surveillance.
The cases have been reported to the Hospital Authority Head Office and the Centre for Health Protection for necessary follow-up.
Ends/Tuesday, April 18, 2023
Issued at HKT 19:37
Issued at HKT 19:37
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