The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     The spokesperson for Yan Chai Hospital (YCH) gave the following update today (October 5):
 
     Regarding the situation of Candida auris carrier cases in Kowloon West Cluster (KWC), KWC hospitals have adopted a series of measures to prevent the spreading of Candida auris, including enhanced admission screening and close contact tracing of patients.
 
     After the implementation of the above measures, four male patients (aged 89 to 93) in the same male medical ward of YCH have been confirmed as Candida auris carriers while not having signs of infection. The four patients are now being treated under isolation with stable condition.
 
     In accordance with the prevailing guidelines, the hospital will continue contact tracing for the patients. The following enhanced infection control measures have already been adopted:
 
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 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.

Ends/Monday, October 5, 2020
Issued at HKT 18:18

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