Update on cluster of Candida auris cases in Kowloon Hospital

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     Regarding an earlier announcement on Candida auris carrier cases, the spokesperson for Kowloon Hospital gave the following update today (December 13):

     Following a contact tracing investigation, one more patient, a male aged 71 in the respiratory medicine ward, was identified as a carrier of Candida auris while not having signs of infection. The patient is currently hospitalised at Queen Elizabeth Hospital for other medical needs. He is being treated in isolation and is in stable condition.

     The hospital will continue the contact tracing investigation of close contacts of the patients in accordance with the prevailing guidelines. A series of enhanced infection control measures have already been adopted to prevent the spread of Candida auris:
 

1. Thorough cleaning and disinfection of the ward concerned;
2. Enhanced admission screening for patients and environmental screening procedures; and
3. Application of stringent contact precautions and enhanced hand hygiene of staff and patients.

     The case has been reported to the Hospital Authority Head Office and the Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health for necessary follow-up.