MRSA outbreaks declared over at St. Catharines General and Welland Sites
Outbreaks of MRSA (Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus) on C3 East, Medical Unit, at the St. Catharines General Hospital Site, as well as the Woolcott Wing at the Welland Site have been declared over today.
The MRSA outbreaks were declared on Friday, July 13, 2012.
There were a total of seven cases in C3 East and four cases in the Woolcott Wing when the outbreaks were called. No new cases were identified since July 13.
All infection prevention and control measures will remain in place to control the spread of the infection.
MRSA outbreak declared in Trillium Unit at Greater Niagara General
The Niagara Health System has declared a unit outbreak of MRSA in the Trillium Unit at the Greater Niagara General site today.
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 unit since July 20.
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.
“Superbugs are a reality for all hospitals and we are committed to being vigilant with our infection prevention and control practices,” says Kim Stephens-Woods, Vice President, Patient Services. “Staff throughout the NHS are all working to our fullest capacity to provide the best possible patient care while also ensuring heightened infection prevention and control measures.”
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.
There are currently no other outbreaks at the Niagara Health System.
