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, the spokesperson for Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH) gave the following update today (July 8):
 
     According to the contact tracing result, five more male patients (aged 42 to 85) who have stayed in the Medical and Geriatric Ward have been confirmed as carrying Candida auris while not having signs of infection. One of the patients has been discharged earlier and the other four patients are being treated under isolation with stable condition. In accordance with the prevailing guidelines, PMH has commenced 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 patient 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.