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 (QEH) gave the following update today (November 29):
Following a contact tracing investigation, four more male patients (aged from 34 to 72) in the surgical ward in QEH were identified as carriers of Candida auris yesterday (November 28). The hospital conducted further contact tracing investigation for the abovementioned cases in the ward concerned. Five more male patients (aged from 59 to 74) were identified as carriers of Candida auris. All patients had no symptoms of infection. Six of these patients are being treated in isolation and are in stable condition, and the remaining three patients were 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:
- 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 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/Wednesday, November 29, 2023
Issued at HKT 19:05
Issued at HKT 19:05
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