Cluster of Candida auris cases found in Kowloon Hospital
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The spokesperson for Kowloon Hospital (KH) made the following announcement today (June 25):
A 77-year-old female patient in a rehabilitation and extended care ward was confirmed to be carrying Candida auris on June 12 without signs of infection. In accordance with the prevailing infection control guidelines, the hospital commenced a contact tracing investigation. Four more female patients (aged 85 to 99) from the same ward were subsequently confirmed to be carrying Candida auris without signs of infection. Among the five patients, two patients have been discharged. One patient is in critical condition due to her underlying disease. The remaining two patients are now being treated in isolation at KH and are in stable condition.
The ward concerned has adopted the following enhanced infection control measures:
- Enhanced patient and environmental screening procedures;
- Applied stringent contact precautions and enhanced hand hygiene of staff and patients; and
- Thorough cleaning and disinfection of the ward concerned.
The hospital will continue the enhanced infection control measures and closely monitor the situation in the ward. The cases have been reported to the Hospital Authority Head Office and the Centre for Health Protection for necessary follow-up.
Ends/Wednesday, June 25, 2025
Issued at HKT 19:00
Issued at HKT 19:00
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