The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     The spokesperson for Kwong Wah Hospital made the following announcement today (May 21):

     A 40-year-old male patient in the surgical ward was confirmed on May 19 to be carrying Candida auris. In accordance with prevailing infection control guidelines, the hospital commenced a contact tracing investigation, which identified two additional male patients (aged 76 and 83) in the same ward as carriers of Candida auris.
      
     The three patients are now being treated in isolation. One patient has infection symptoms and is currently receiving treatment. His condition is serious due to underlying illnesses. The other two patients show no signs of infection and are in stable condition.
      
     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, including the environment and medical equipment;
2. enhanced medical surveillance of the patients and screening procedures for patients and environment in the wards; and
3. applied stringent contact precautions and enhanced hand hygiene of staff.

     The cases have been reported to the Hospital Authority Head Office and the Centre for Health Protection for necessary follow-up.

Ends/Thursday, May 21, 2026
Issued at HKT 17:30

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