Superbug outbreak closes Tauranga hospital ward

An outbreak of a potentially dangerous superbug at Tauranga Hospital has led to closure of one of the hospital's wards.

The hospital has had 30 confirmed cases of the antibiotic-resistant bacteria MRSA (Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus) since June. The bug that can cause serious health problems, including blood infection and pneumonia.

It is difficult to contain and eradicate because it is easily transmitted and inhabits furniture, flooring and curtains.

Nine patients are in isolation at the hospital, prompting hospital authorities to increase efforts to eradicate the bug.

General manager Alan Wilson said while it was not unusual to have an outbreak of this degree, the hospital was taking extra measures to isolate, contain and possibly eradicate the bug.

One of the first steps was to close one medical ward and isolate known cases there, he said.

MRSA was a difficult organism to eradicate because it was so easily transmitted.

"The current outbreak at Tauranga Hospital has lasted for four months and has become of increasing concern," he said.

"A prolonged and vigorous campaign is now needed in an effort to eliminate the organism with a strategy of isolate, contain and eradicate. While this sounds simple, it needs the full co-operation of all staff and patients, with particular attention to stringent infection measures."

Mr Wilson said infection levels were about the same as those at other hospitals around the country, and experience had shown it was possible to contain and eliminate outbreaks.

- BAY OF PLENTY TIMES