Posters warning of the outbreak of the superbug Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) in Christchurch Hospital this week. Photo / Supplied
Posters warning of the outbreak of the superbug Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) in Christchurch Hospital this week. Photo / Supplied
Outbreaks of a drug-resistant superbug have been detected in Auckland and Christchurch hospitals, Health NZ says.
Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) is considered a superbug as it’s more difficult to treat than regular infections and is resistant to vancomycin, Health NZ’s Dr Sarah Berger said.
“Anti-microbial resistance (AMR) is a global problem,sometimes called the ‘silent pandemic’, and it unfortunately has reached New Zealand”, said Berger, nursing director for the Infection Prevention and Control Service in Canterbury and the West Coast.
In Christchurch there are two small outbreaks with two different strains of VRE on one ward at Christchurch Hospital, Berger said.
“There are currently fewer than 10 patients in Christchurch Hospital with VRE. However … most of the patients are carriers rather than having active infections.”
Posters warning of the outbreak of the superbug Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) in Christchurch Hospital this week. Photo / Supplied
One of the strains found in Christchurch had been linked to an Auckland cluster, she said.
AMR occurred when bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites changed over time and no longer responded to many medicines, making infections harder to treat.
“However, most patients are carriers of the bug, rather than actually having an active infection.”
Infection prevention measures were in place, including deep cleans of the ward environment and use of personal protective equipment, Berger said.
“Managing VRE is part of routine staff practice because of the increasing spread of these bugs within our community.”
Infection Prevention Control (IPC) specialists also supported clinical teams to make sure processes were understood and followed.
“Our IPC specialists have met with patients and their families and provided them with information sheets and taken time to answer any questions or concerns they may have.”
