Govt warns about global superbug

File photo / Martin Sykes

The Government is warning New Zealanders to be aware of the risks of going overseas for surgery.

Australia recorded three cases of the NDM-1 superbug, which was picked up in at least two cases during cosmetic surgery in India.

The Ministry of Health says the global spread of drug-resistant organisms is one of the inherent risks of having surgery in other countries and there was one case of a person with a superbug in New Zealand early this year.

A spokesperson says the Ministry is confident the patient's infection was managed appropriately and didn't pose any risk to other patients.

- NZ Herald staff