Update on cluster of Candida auris cases in Princess Margaret Hospital

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     Regarding an earlier announcement on a cluster of patients carrying Candida auris in a medicine and geriatrics ward, the spokesperson for Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH) gave the following update today (May 23):

     PMH has adopted enhanced Candida auris screening for patients in the ward concerned. During the enhanced screening from May 17 to 23, one female patient and two male patients (aged 55 to 94) were identified as carriers of Candida auris while not having signs of infection. All patients are now being treated under isolation and in stable condition.

     The hospital will continue the contact tracing in accordance with the prevailing guidelines. A series of enhanced infection control measures have already been adopted:
 

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 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.