Cluster of Candida auris cases in Queen Elizabeth Hospital
**********************************************************
The spokesperson for Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) made the following announcement today (November 3):
A 74-year-old male patient in the surgical ward of QEH was found to carry Candida auris on October 31 after screening, without signs of infection. He has recovered and been discharged. In accordance with prevailing guidelines, QEH commenced a contact tracing investigation and found two more patients (aged 70 and 86) who stayed in the same ward carrying Candida auris without signs of infection. They are being treated in isolation and are in stable condition.
The hospital has reported the cases to the Hospital Authority Head Office and the Centre for Health Protection (CHP). The following enhanced infection control measures have already been adopted:
1. Thorough cleaning and disinfection of the ward concerned;
2. Enhanced patient 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 as well as following up the cases with departments concerned and the CHP.
Ends/Friday, November 3, 2023
Issued at HKT 17:50
Issued at HKT 17:50
NNNN