The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:
Regarding an earlier announcement on Candida auris carrier cases, the spokesperson for Kowloon West Cluster (KWC) made the following update today (December 1):
During contact tracing, one more 62-year-old male patient in the same male medical ward of Yan Chai Hospital was confirmed as a Candida auris carrier while not having signs of infection. The patient has been discharged.
Meanwhile, a 70-year-old male patient was admitted to the extended care ward of North Lantau Hospital on November 23 and underwent Candida auris admission screening. He tested positive for Candida auris while not having signs of infection. The patient has been discharged.
In addition, under the enhanced screening arrangement, two more male patients (aged 46 and 67) of the neurosurgery ward in Princess Margaret Hospital were confirmed as Candida auris carriers while not having signs of infection. The two patients are now being treated under isolation with stable condition.
In accordance with the prevailing guidelines, KWC will continue contact tracing for the patients. A series of enhanced infection control measures have already been adopted to prevent the spreading of Candida auris:
- Thorough cleaning and disinfection of the wards concerned;
- Enhanced admission screening for patients and environmental screening procedures;
- Application of stringent contact precautions and enhanced hand hygiene for staff and patients;
- Introduction of PCR rapid test for early identification of carrier; and
- Application of designated equipment for patient use to avoid cross infection.
KWC 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.
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