Update on Candida auris carrier cases at PMH

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     Regarding an earlier announcement on Candida auris carrier cases, the spokesperson for Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH) gave the following update today (July 4):
 
     According to the contact tracing result, two more male patients (aged 60 and 89) who have stayed in the same cubicle of the Medicine and Geriatric Ward have been confirmed as carrying Candida auris while not having signs of infection. Both patients are treated under isolation. One of the patients is in serious condition due to his own underlying disease and the other patient is in stable condition. In accordance with the prevailing guidelines, PMH has continued contact  tracing for the patients. The following enhanced infection control measures have already been adopted:

     1. Thorough cleansing and disinfection of the wards concerned
     2. Enhance patient and environmental screening procedures
     3. Apply stringent contact precautions and enhance hand hygiene of 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.