Update on Candida auris cases in Princess Margaret Hospital

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     Regarding an earlier announcement on Candida auris carrier cases in Kowloon West Cluster, the spokesperson for Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH) gave the following update today (September 17):
      
     According to the contact tracing result, five more patients (three male and two female, aged 23 to 91) who have stayed in the same neurosurgical ward have been confirmed as Candida auris carriers while not having signs of infection. The five patients are treated under isolation with 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 cleaning and disinfection of the wards concerned;
     2. Enhanced admission screening for patients and environmental screening procedures; and
     3. Application of stringent contact precautions and enhanced hand hygiene for 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.