Clusters of Candida auris cases in Kowloon West Cluster
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The spokesperson for the Kowloon West Cluster made the following announcement today (May 22):
A 97-year-old male patient in the medical ward of Princess Margaret Hospital was confirmed to carry Candida auris on May 13 through admission screening without signs of infection. In view that the patient had been admitted to North Lantau Hospital for treatment earlier, Princess Margaret Hospital and North Lantau Hospital have commenced contact tracing in accordance with the prevailing guidelines and found four more male patients (aged from 65 to 88) carrying Candida auris without signs of infection. The 97-year-old male patient has been discharged, while the other four patients are now being treated in isolation and are in stable condition.
The hospitals 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 ward 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 hospitals 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/Monday, May 22, 2023
Issued at HKT 19:16
Issued at HKT 19:16
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