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 Candida auris carrier cases, the spokesperson for Princess Margaret Hospital gave the following update today (April 13):

     Following contact tracing, three more patients (two males and one female, aged 45 to 75) in medicine and geriatrics wards of the hospital were confirmed as Candida auris carriers while not having signs of infection. The three patients are now being treated under isolation and in stable condition.

     The hospital will continue the contact tracing 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 cleansing and disinfection of the wards 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 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.