Update on Candida auris cases in Kowloon West Cluster
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Regarding an earlier announcement on Candida auris carrier cases, the spokesperson for Kowloon West Cluster (KWC) made the following update today (July 16):
According to the contact tracing result, three more male patients (aged 64 to 92) are confirmed to carry Candida auris while not having signs of infection. One of the patients stayed in the Medical and Geriatric Ward of Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH) and has been discharged. Among the two male patients stayed in the Extended Care Ward of North Lantau Hospital (NLTH), one of them is still being treated in NLTH and the other is being treated in PMH due to underlying diseases. Both are under isolation with stable condition. In accordance with prevailing guideline, the following enhanced infection control measures have already been adopted in both hospitals:
1. Thorough cleaning and disinfection of the wards concerned;
2. Enhanced patient and environmental screening procedures; and
3. Application of stringent contact precautions and enhanced hand hygiene of staff and patients.
KWC 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.
Ends/Tuesday, July 16, 2019
Issued at HKT 20:20
Issued at HKT 20:20
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