Cluster of Candida Auris Cases Reported in Tai Kok Tsui Elderly Care Home, CHP Urges Infection Control Measures

CHP follows up on cluster of Candida auris carrier cases involving a RCHE

The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is following up on a cluster of Candida auris carrier cases today (July 21) involving three residents at a residential care home for the elderly (RCHE) in Tai Kok Tsui. The CHP reminded all RCHEs to implement measures for the prevention and control of infectious diseases in accordance with the Guidelines on Prevention of Communicable Disease in RCHEs (the Guidelines).

The CHP recently received a notification from the Hospital Authority (HA) that two male residents aged 89 and 90 living in the same room of the aforementioned RCHE had recently been admitted to a public hospital for treatment due to their underlying illnesses. Their admission screening samples tested positive for Candida auris upon laboratory testing. Both patients, being carriers without infection symptoms, are in stable condition.

The CHP's epidemiological investigation revealed an epidemiological linkage between the current cases and a previous cluster of Candida auris cases in Kwong Wah Hospital (KWH) announced by the HA. One of the affected persons in the KWH cluster, an 85-year-old male patient, lived in the same room with the two residents of the RCHE upon discharge from the hospital. The CHP believed that they were infected by the 85-year-old male patient at the RCHE.

Candida auris, Photo source: online image

The CHP has conducted a site inspection at the RCHE and provided infection control advice and training to the RCHE staff. The RCHE is advised to strengthen infection control measures in accordance with the established guidelines, including appropriate placement of carrier residents, strict implementation of contact precautions, enhancement of environmental cleansing and disinfection, use of dedicated medical equipment, toilet and bathing facilities to prevent the spread of Candida auris.

The CHP will continue to investigate the cluster and conduct screenings among contacts, while maintaining close liaison with the RCHE concerned to monitor the situation of the residents and ensure strict implementation of various infection control measures by the RCHE.

A spokesman for the CHP explained that Candida is a fungus commonly found in the natural environment, particularly in moist and warm environments. In humans, it is commonly found in body sites such as the oral cavity, the digestive tract, the skin and the vagina. It is a common fungus living on or in the human body but can occasionally cause infections, especially in individuals with impaired immunity.

Among different candida species, Candida auris is more drug-resistant. Infections vary from being mild to potentially life-threatening or fatal, depending on which part of the body is affected and the general health condition of the patient. The spokesman stressed that proper use of antimicrobials and maintaining personal hygiene, especially hand hygiene, are crucial to the prevention of the emergence and cross-transmission of Candida auris.

The Centre for Health Protection, Photo source: reference image

Hong Kong Customs detects case of non-registered precious metals and stones dealer carrying out specified transactions

Hong Kong Customs yesterday (July 21) detected a case involving a local company that conducted transactions of diamonds valued at over HK$120,000, without registration under the Dealers in Precious Metals and Stones Regulatory Regime. An investigation is ongoing.

According to the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing Ordinance (Cap. 615), unless exempted, any person who is seeking to carry on a business of dealing in precious metals and stones and engage in any transaction(s) (whether making or receiving a payment) with a total value at or above HK$120,000 in Hong Kong is required to register with Hong Kong Customs. Any dealer, other than a registrant, who claims to be a registrant, claims to be authorised to carry out, or carries out any cash or non-cash transaction(s) with a total value at or above HK$120,000 is liable to a maximum fine of HK$100,000 and imprisonment for six months upon conviction.

Customs reminds dealers in precious metals and stones that they must obtain the relevant registration before they can carry out any cash or non-cash transaction(s) with a total value at or above HK$120,000.

For the forms, procedures and guidelines to submit applications for registration, please visit the website for Dealers in Precious Metals and Stones Registration System (www.drs.customs.gov.hk) or Customs' webpage (www.customs.gov.hk/en/service-enforcement-information/anti-money-laundering/supervision-of-dealers-in-precious-metals-and-ston/index.html).

Members of the public may report any suspected transactions involving precious metals and stones with a total value at or above HK$120,000 conducted without the required registration to Customs' 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002/).

Hong Kong Customs, Photo source: reference image