2010-02-17 VRE Outbreak Unit 4-1 – GBHS – Owen Sound Regional hospital Grey Bruce Health Services has closed one unit to new admissions at the Owen Sound hospital due to an outbreak of VRE.
Unit 4-1 was closed Wednesday afternoon. Four of the 24 patients have tested positive for Vancomycin Resistant Enterococcus (VRE). To date no patients have become sick with an infection associated with the outbreak.
The move to close the unit to new admissions is a precautionary measure and a means of preventing further transmission of the bacteria. The unit will remain closed until there are no new identifiable cases. The possible reopening of the unit will be assessed on a daily basis.
New medical patients being admitted to the hospital during this time will be accommodated in other areas of the hospital. If necessary, patients also may be transferred to another GBHS hospital in the region.
Meanwhile, the hospital’s visitor policy of two visitors per patient will be strictly enforced on Unit 4-1. In addition, visitors must follow the hospital’s rigorous hand hygiene protocol in order to be allowed to remain on the unit. Pets will not be allowed to visit patients during the closure.
This situation is being monitored very closely. GBHS is consulting with infectious disease specialists at the University Health Network in Toronto and Public Health in Grey and Bruce who are supportive of the measures the hospital is putting into place to manage this outbreak..
VRE are bacteria. The full name is Vancomycin Resistant Enterococci. Enterococci are bacteria commonly found in the bowels of humans and animals. Enterococci can sometimes cause infection. Vancomycin is a strong antibiotic used to treat infections.
Some enterococci have developed resistance to Vancomycin. When on the skin or in the environment, enterococci can live for a long time (days or months). VRE can be passed on if you do not wash your hands and touch objects that other people have touched, such as bed rails, telephones or doorknobs.
For More Information Contact:
Jim Merriam, Interim Communications and Public Relations Officer
519 376-2121 ext. 2806
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