Update on United Christian 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 United Christian Hospital (UCH) gave the following update today (February 3):
Following a contact tracing investigation, one more female patient aged 83 in the geriatric ward was identified as a carrier of Candida auris without signs of infection. She is in stable condition and is now being treated in isolation.
The UCH will continue the contact tracing investigation of close contacts of the patient in accordance with the 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 ward concerned;
2. Enhanced patient and environmental screening procedures; and
3. Application of stringent contact precautions and enhanced hand hygiene of staff, patients and visitors.
The UCH has reported the case to the Hospital Authority Head Office and the Centre for Health Protection for follow up and will continue to closely monitor the situation.