Update on cluster of Candida auris cases in Queen Elizabeth Hospital
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Regarding an earlier announcement on Candida auris carrier cases, the spokesperson for Queen Elizabeth Hospital gave the following update today (September 11):
Following a contact tracing investigation, three more male patients (aged 47 to 71) in the High Dependency Unit of the Department of Neurosurgery were also identified as carriers of Candida auris while not having signs of infection. The three patients are in stable condition. Two of these patients are now being treated in isolation, and the remaining patient was recovered and discharged.
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 wards concerned;
2. Enhanced admission screening for patients and environmental screening procedures; and
3. Application of stringent contact precautions and enhanced hand hygiene of 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/Monday, September 11, 2023
Issued at HKT 18:30
Issued at HKT 18:30
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