The Niagara Health System has declared a unit outbreak of VRE (Vancomycin Resistant Enterococcus) in Unit C, a medical unit, at the Greater Niagara General 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 Unit C since April 16, 2013 (two remain on 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.
What is VRE (Vancomycin Resistant Enterococcus)?
Enterococci are germs that live in the gastrointestinal tract (bowels) of most people and generally do not cause harm (this is termed ‘colonization’). Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) are strains of enterococci that are resistant to the antibiotic vancomycin. If a person has an infection caused by VRE, such as a urinary tract infection or blood infection, it may be more difficult to treat. VRE is spread from one person to another by contact.
Media contact: Rebecca Slavik, Communications Specialist, 905-378-4647, ext. 43879; Rebecca.slavik@niagarahealth.on.ca
