The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     The spokesperson for Kowloon West Cluster (KWC) gave the following update today (October 6):
 
     Regarding the situation of Candida auris carrier cases in KWC, KWC hospitals have adopted a series of measures to prevent the spread of Candida auris, including enhanced admission screening and close contact tracing of patients.
 
     After the implementation of the above measures, four male patients (aged 39 to 82) in medical and geriatric wards of Princess Margaret Hospital 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 addition, three more male patients (aged 68 to 87) in the same male medical ward of Yan Chai Hospital with carrier cases earlier have been confirmed as Candida auris carriers while not having signs of infection. Two of the patients are now being treated under isolation with stable condition and the remaining patient is in serious condition due to underlying illness and is now being treated under isolation.
 
     In accordance with the prevailing guidelines, the two hospitals 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 hospitals 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, October 6, 2020
Issued at HKT 18:55

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