Update on Candida auris cases in Kowloon West Cluster

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 18):
      
     One more 89-year-old discharged resident of residential care home for the elderly in a male medical ward of Yan Chai Hospital was identified as a Candida auris carrier while not having signs of infection. The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) and the Community Nursing Services have been informed of the case for follow-up action.
      
     In addition, having conducted contact tracing, three more female patients (aged 27 to 91) in medicine and geriatrics ward of Princess Margaret Hospital were confirmed as Candida auris carriers while not having signs of infection. The patients are now being treated under isolation and in 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 CHP for necessary follow-up.