Update on Candida auris cases in Princess Margaret Hospital

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     Regarding an earlier announcement on a patient confirmed as Candida auris carrier in the Point Prevalence Survey conducted in all acute hospitals, the spokesperson for Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH) gave the following update today (November 6):
      
     During the contact tracing, a 68-year-old Medical and Geriatric male patient in PMH is confirmed as Candida auris carrier while not having signs of infection. The patient is now being treated under isolation and in stable condition.
      
     Besides, an 82-year-old Oncology male patient underwent routine admission screening and the test result showed that he was a Candida auris carrier while not having signs of infection. The patient is now being treated under isolation and in stable condition.
      
     In accordance with the prevailing guidelines, the hospital will continue the 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 virus carrier; and
5. Application of designated equipment for patient use to avoid cross infection.
 
     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.