Hong Kong – Update on TWGHs Wong Tai Sin Hospital Candida auris cluster

The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

     Regarding an earlier announcement on Candida auris carrier cases, the spokesperson for TWGHs Wong Tai Sin Hospital (WTSH) gave the following update today (March 12):
 
     Following a contact tracing investigation, one more patient, a male aged 85 in a ward of the Department of Tuberculosis and Chest, was identified as a carrier of Candida auris without signs of infection. He is in stable condition and has been transferred to Kowloon Hospital for further medical care in isolation.
 
     WTSH will continue the contact tracing investigation in accordance with prevailing guidelines. A series of enhanced infection control measures have already been adopted to prevent the spread of Candida auris:
 

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 and patients.

 
     The hospital has reported the cases to the Hospital Authority Head Office and the Centre for Health Protection for follow-up and will continue to closely monitor the situation.