Update on cluster of 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 gave the following update today (September 5):
 
     Following contact tracing, two more male patients (aged 54 and 91) in a medical ward were also found to be carrying Candida auris without signs of infection. The two patients are now being treated under isolation and they are 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 cleaning 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.