Update on cluster of Candida auris cases in TWGHs Wong Tai Sin Hospital

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     Regarding an earlier announcement on Candida auris carrier cases, the spokesperson for TWGHs Wong Tai Sin Hospital gave the following update today (September 10):
 
     Following a contact tracing investigation, one more patient, an 85-year-old female in the Department of Tuberculosis and Chest ward was identified as a carrier of Candida auris without signs of infection and transferred to Queen Elizabeth Hospital for further medical care in isolation. The patient passed away due to her underlying illness.
 
     A series of enhanced infection control measures have already been adopted in the ward concerned:
 

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

 
     The hospital will continue the enhanced infection control measures and closely monitor the situation of the ward concerned. The hospital has reported the case to the Hospital Authority Head Office and the Centre for Health Protection for necessary follow-up.