Kowloon West Cluster announces Candida auris cases

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     The spokesperson for Kowloon West Cluster (KWC) made the following announcement today (September 13):
 
     A 55-year-old male patient was admitted to the neurosurgical ward of the Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH) on August 21 and was transferred to the medical ward of Yan Chai Hospital (YCH) on September 7 for continuous care. Admission screening conducted by YCH found that the patient is a Candida auris carrier while not having signs of infection. He is now being treated under isolation at YCH with stable condition.

     In accordance with prevailing guidelines, PMH has continued contact tracing for the patients and six more male patients (aged 37 to 84) who had stayed in the same neurosurgical ward were identified as Candida auris carriers while not having signs of infection. They are all treated under isolation. One of the patients is in serious condition due to his underlying illness; while the other five are stable.

     The following enhanced infection control measures have already been adopted in PMH:
 
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 for staff and patients.

     KWC cluster will continue to closely monitor the situation of the patients. The cases have been reported to the Hospital Authority Head Office and the CHP for necessary follow-up.