Cluster of Candida auris cases in Queen Elizabeth Hospital
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The spokesperson for Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) made the following announcement today (September 21):
An 84-year-old male patient was transferred to a cardiothoracic surgery ward in QEH from Kowloon Hospital for treatment on September 16. He was then confirmed to carry Candida auris without signs of infection during a regular screening on September 17. In accordance with prevailing guidelines, QEH commenced a contact tracing investigation and found two more male patients (aged 68 and 71), who stayed in the same cubicle, carrying Candida auris without signs of infection. One of the patients was transferred to Kowloon Hospital for further treatment earlier. All patients are now being treated in isolation and are in stable condition.
The hospital has reported the cases to the Hospital Authority Head Office and the Centre for Health Protection (CHP). The following enhanced infection control measures have already been adopted:
- Thorough cleaning and disinfection of the wards concerned;
- Enhanced patient and environmental screening procedures; and
- Application of stringent contact precautions and enhanced hand hygiene of staff and patients.
The hospital will continue to closely monitor the situation as well as follow up the cases with concerned departments and the CHP.
Ends/Wednesday, September 21, 2022
Issued at HKT 18:50
Issued at HKT 18:50
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