The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:
Regarding the earlier announcements on Candida auris carrier cases, the spokesman for Kowloon West Cluster (KWC) made the following update today (December 14):
One more 72-year-old patient in a male medical ward of Yan Chai Hospital was identified as a Candida auris carrier while not having signs of infection. The patient has been discharged.
Furthermore, during the contact tracing conducted by North Lantau Hospital, one more 81-year-old male patient was identified as a Candida auris carrier while not having signs of infection. The patient is now being treated under isolation in Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH) with stable condition.
In addition, having conducted contact tracing, two more patients (one male and one female, aged 77 and 83) in PMH were confirmed as Candida auris carriers while not having signs of infection. Both of them are now being treated under isolation with stable condition.
In accordance with the prevailing guidelines, KWC will continue contact tracing for the patients. A series of enhanced infection control measures have already been adopted to prevent the spreading of Candida auris:
1. Thorough cleaning and disinfection of the wards concerned;
2. Enhanced admission screening for patients and environmental screening procedures;
3. Application of stringent contact precautions and enhanced hand hygiene for staff and patients;
4. Introduction of PCR rapid test for early identification of carrier; and
5. Application of designated equipment for patient use to avoid cross infection.
KWC 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.
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