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 (January 2):
A 59-year-old female patient in the neurosurgical ward was found to carry Candida auris on December 17, 2023, without signs of infection. In accordance with prevailing guidelines, QEH commenced a contact tracing investigation and found two more female patients (aged 69 and 74) carrying Candida auris without signs of infection. All patients are 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:
1. Thorough cleaning and disinfection of the ward concerned;
2. Enhanced patient 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 as well as following up the cases with departments concerned and the CHP.
Ends/Tuesday, January 2, 2024
Issued at HKT 19:00
Issued at HKT 19:00
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