Cluster of Candida auris cases in Kwong Wah Hospital

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     The spokesperson for Kwong Wah Hospital made the following announcement today (June 1):
     
     A 75-year-old male patient in a medical ward of Kwong Wah Hospital (KWH) was confirmed with Candida auris on May 29. He had received medical treatment and passed away due to his underlying diseases. In accordance with the prevailing guidelines, the hospital has commenced contact tracing and found one more 83-year-old female patient who stayed in the same ward carrying Candida auris without signs of infection. This patient is now being treated in isolation and is 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 ward concerned;
2. Enhanced admission screening for patients and environmental screening procedures; and
3. Application of stringent contact precautions and enhanced hand hygiene for staff and patients.

 
     The hospital 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.