Cluster of Candida auris cases in Kowloon Hospital
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The spokesperson for Kowloon Hospital made the following announcement today (May 11):
A 89-year-old male patient in a medical convalescent ward of Kowloon Hospital was confirmed to carry Candida auris on April 28 without signs of infection. In accordance with the prevailing guidelines, the hospital has commenced contact tracing and found one more 92-year-old male patient who stayed in the same cubicle carrying Candida auris without signs of infection. One patient has been discharged, the remaining patient is now being treated in isolation and is 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 ward 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/Thursday, May 11, 2023
Issued at HKT 18:45
Issued at HKT 18:45
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