Superbug closes Waikato Hospital ward

Waikato Hospital is moving to curb out an outbreak of a superbug after it was found spreading in one of its surgical wards.

Eight patients in ward 14 have tested positive for the bug, called methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).

Three patients have been confirmed as infected, the status of another three patients is unclear and two others appear only to be carriers.

MRSA is a strain of the common bacteria staphylococcus aureus found in about 20 per cent of people.

It has evolved defences to many drugs, but the strains found in New Zealand are still able to be treated with antibiotics.

It is commonly spread by health workers' hands.

After the discovery of the bug two weeks ago the hospital closed the ward to new patients.

The ward caters to people needing cardiac, thoracic or vascular operations. Non-urgent operations have been delayed until it can be declared free of the superbug. There are 18 patients in the ward.

Hospitals and Health Boards (funding problems, staff shortages)