
Six newborns have tested positive for the dreaded superbug in a Canadian hospital.
The cases of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) were identified over a number of weeks and appear to be connected, said a news release issued by the Charlottetown's Queen Elizabeth Hospital hospital Thursday.
Advertisement
Although testing positive for MRSA, all six newborns remained healthy and were discharged from the hospital.
The QEH has been in a running battle with superbugs, both MRSA and vancomycin-resistant enterococci, for much of the year, although there have been few reports since the summer, CBC reported.
"MRSA is increasing in all communities across the country," said Dr. Lei Ang, medical microbiologist at the hospital.
"Consequently it is not surprising that if we intensively look for it, we will find it amongst patients in the hospital."
Ang said the infections in the babies are of concern, and that infection control measures have been enhanced. Staff and physicians will wear gloves and gowns when caring for patients, and new mothers and babies will be screened for MRSA upon admission and discharge.
Visiting restrictions remain in place at the hospital, with immediate family only, one visitor per patient, and no children under the age of 12.
Acting chief health officer Dr. Lamont Sweet said healthy adults and babies do not usually become ill if found to be carrying MRSA.
Source: Medindia
GPL/L
Advertisement
"MRSA is increasing in all communities across the country," said Dr. Lei Ang, medical microbiologist at the hospital.
"Consequently it is not surprising that if we intensively look for it, we will find it amongst patients in the hospital."
Ang said the infections in the babies are of concern, and that infection control measures have been enhanced. Staff and physicians will wear gloves and gowns when caring for patients, and new mothers and babies will be screened for MRSA upon admission and discharge.
Visiting restrictions remain in place at the hospital, with immediate family only, one visitor per patient, and no children under the age of 12.
Acting chief health officer Dr. Lamont Sweet said healthy adults and babies do not usually become ill if found to be carrying MRSA.
Source: Medindia
GPL/L
Advertisement
Advertisement
|
Advertisement
Recommended Readings
Latest Hospital News

Researchers analyzed the optimal dose and type of physical activity to improve recovery and minimize adverse events in hospitalized older adults.

Understanding the impact of shared medical appointments on patients' well-being and actions has been explored by researchers.

Among individuals admitted to hospitals, 66% were found to be colonized with bacteria that displayed resistance to third-generation cephalosporins.

Is prehabilitation associated with improved outcomes in patients undergoing orthopedic surgery? Yes, it improved overall function in comparison with usual care.

An exploratory investigation in Ghana revealed that surgical site infection was a statistically significant variable in determining postoperative healthcare costs.