Cluster of Candida auris cases in Hong Kong Buddhist Hospital

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     The spokesperson for Hong Kong Buddhist Hospital (HKBH) made the following announcement today (October 26):
 
     An 89-year-old male patient in the medical ward of HKBH was found to carry Candida auris on October 12 after screening. The patient concerned has been transferred to Kowloon Hospital for isolation and treatment. In accordance with prevailing guidelines, HKBH commenced a contact tracing investigation and found two more male patients (aged 70 and 91) in the same ward carrying Candida auris without signs of infection. They are being treated in isolation and are in stable condition.
 
     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 has reported the cases to the Hospital Authority Head Office and the Centre for Health Protection to follow up. The hospital will continue to closely monitor the situation.