Cluster of Candida auris cases in United Christian Hospital
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The spokesperson for United Christian Hospital (UCH) made the following announcement today (January 25):
A 94-year-old female patient in the geriatric ward was found to carry Candida auris during her admission screening on January 21. In accordance with prevailing guidelines, UCH commenced a contact tracing investigation and found three more female patients, aged 68 to 94, carrying Candida auris without signs of infection. Two of them had been transferred to Haven of Hope Hospital for treatment. Currently, three patients are being treated in isolation in UCH and are in stable condition. One patient passed away due to her underlying disease.
UCH will continue the contact tracing in accordance with the prevailing guidelines. The following enhanced infection control measures have already been adopted in the wards concerned 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, patients and visitors.
UCH has reported the cases to the Hospital Authority Head Office and the Centre for Health Protection for follow up. Both hospitals will continue to closely monitor the situation.
Ends/Thursday, January 25, 2024
Issued at HKT 16:10
Issued at HKT 16:10
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