The Niagara Health System has declared a unit outbreak of MRSA (Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus) in C3 East, Medical Unit, at the St. Catharines General Hospital Site, as well as the Woolcott Wing at the Welland Site.
An outbreak is declared when the number of hospital-associated cases is higher than what is seen as the normal threshold. There have been seven cases in the last month in C3 East (three currently in hospital) and four cases in the Woolcott Wing (four currently in hospital) since the last week of June.
All infection prevention and control measures are in place to control the spread of the infection and bring the outbreak to an end as quickly as possible.
About MRSA (Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus)
Staphylococcus aureus is a bacteria that lives on the skin and mucous membranes of healthy people. Occasionally S. aureus can cause an infection. When S. aureus develops resistance to certain antibiotics, it is called Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus, or MRSA. MRSA is spread from one person to another by contact, usually on the hands.
