Update on cluster of Candida auris cases in Kowloon Central Cluster
*******************************************************************
Regarding an earlier announcement on Candida auris carrier cases in Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH), the spokesperson for the Kowloon Central Cluster gave the following update today (April 20):
Regarding the Candida auris carrier cases found in a neurosurgery ward of QEH, a 65-year-old male patient who had been transferred to the rehabilitation ward of Kowloon Hospital (KH) for treatment was confirmed to carry Candida auris following a contact tracing investigation, and four other male patients (aged 54 to 86) in the same ward were later confirmed to carry Candida auris as well. One of the patients had been discharged earlier and another one of the patients had passed away earlier due to his underlying disease. The three remaining patients are now being treated in isolation. They are in stable condition without signs of infection.
The hospital will continue the following enhanced infection control measures in accordance with the prevailing guidelines to prevent the spread of Candida auris:
- Enhanced admission screening for patients and environmental screening procedures;
- Applied stringent contact precautions and enhanced hand hygiene of staff and patients; and
- Thorough cleaning and disinfection of the ward concerned.
The hospital will closely monitor the situation of the ward concerned. The cases have been reported to the Hospital Authority Head Office and the Centre for Health Protection for necessary follow-up.
Ends/Thursday, April 20, 2023
Issued at HKT 18:12
Issued at HKT 18:12
NNNN