The Niagara Health System has declared a unit outbreak of MRSA in the 4th floor surgical unit at the Welland Hospital 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 five cases in the unit since September 4. There are currently two cases in the unit.
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.
“The safety and care of our patients remains our first priority,” says Kim Stephens-Woods, Vice President, Patient Services. “Staff across the organization will continue to work to the fullest capacity to prevent and control the spread of infectious diseases at all of our hospital sites.”
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.
