The Niagara Health System has declared a unit outbreak of MRSA in the Complex Care Trillium Unit at the Greater Niagara General 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 seven cases attributed to the unit since September 13. There are currently six of these cases remaining 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.
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.
