Cluster of Candida auris cases in Kowloon Hospital
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The spokesperson for Kowloon Hospital (KH) made the following announcement today (June 27):
A 57-year-old male patient in a male rehabilitation ward was confirmed to carry Candida auris on June 11 without signs of infection. In accordance with the prevailing guidelines, KH has commenced contact tracing and found four more male patients (aged 66 to 83) who stayed in the same male ward carrying Candida auris without signs of infection. One patient passed away due to his underlying illness. The remaining patients are now treated under isolation with 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:
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 enhance hand hygiene of staff and patients.
The hospital will continue the enhanced infection control measures and 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 of the Department of Health for necessary follow-up.
Ends/Tuesday, June 27, 2023
Issued at HKT 18:40
Issued at HKT 18:40
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