Cluster of Candida auris cases in Kwong Wah Hospital
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The spokesperson for Kwong Wah Hospital (KWH) made the following announcement today (December 19):
A 89-year-old female patient in a medical and geriatric ward was confirmed to carry Candida auris on December 9 without signs of infection. The patient passed away due to her underlying illness. In accordance with prevailing guidelines, KWH commenced a contact tracing investigation and found two more female patients (aged 54 and 19) in the same ward carrying Candida auris without signs of infection. One patient was discharged earlier and the remaining patient was transferred to Kowloon Hospital for further treatment.
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 wards 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 follow up the cases with concerned departments and the CHP.
Ends/Tuesday, December 19, 2023
Issued at HKT 19:05
Issued at HKT 19:05
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