Update on Candida auris cases in Yan Chai Hospital

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:
 
     Regarding an earlier announcement on Candida auris carrier cases, the spokesperson for Yan Chai Hospital (YCH) gave the following update today (July 20):
      
     According to contact tracing, six more male patients (aged 64 to 89) who had stayed in other medical wards were confirmed as carrying Candida auris without signs of infection. Among the six patients, one 77-year-old patient had passed away on July 17 due to underlying illnesses, one patient was discharged, and two others are old-age home residents and had been discharged. The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) and the Community Nursing Service were informed on the cases concerned for necessary follow-up. The other two patients are now being treated under isolation with stable condition. In accordance with the prevailing guidelines, YCH has commenced contact tracing for patients who might have had close contact with these 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 of 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 CHP for necessary follow-up.