Update on Candida auris and Vancomycin Resistant Enterococci carrier cases in Kowloon West Cluster

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     Regarding an earlier announcement on Candida auris and Vancomycin Resistant Enterococci (VRE) carrier cases, the spokesperson for Kowloon West Cluster (KWC) made the following update today (April 21):
 
     According to the contact tracing result of Princess Margaret Hospital, one more 78-year-old medicine and geriatrics female patient was identified as a Candida auris carrier without signs of infection. The patient had been discharged earlier. The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) has been informed of the case for follow-up action.
 
     In addition, according to the contract tracing result of Yan Chai Hospital, three more male COVID-19 patients (aged 48 to 89) in a medical ward are confirmed as carriers of VRE. One of the COVID-19 patients passed away earlier, while the other two patients are being treated under isolation in the hospital and are in stable condition.
 
     In accordance with the prevailing guidelines, KWC will continue the contact tracing of close contacts the patients. The following enhanced infection control measures have already been adopted:
 

1. Thorough cleaning and disinfection of the wards concerned;
2. Enhanced admission screening for patients and environmental screening procedures;
3. Enhanced attention to contamination-prone procedures; and
4. Application of stringent contact precautions and enhanced hand hygiene of staff and patients.

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