Ongoing Bacterial Outbreak at Sahlgrenska Hospital Affects 150 Individuals
Sahlgrenska Hospital in Gothenburg reports 150 infections of multi-resistant bacteria, prompting urgent containment measures.
Key Points
- • 150 individuals infected with VRE at Sahlgrenska Hospital.
- • Ongoing outbreak for over six months, with weekly new cases reported.
- • No serious illnesses reported, but strict hygiene practices stressed.
- • Hospital limiting care places to ensure private toilet access for risk patients.
A serious outbreak of vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) at Sahlgrenska Hospital in Gothenburg has resulted in 150 confirmed infections over the past six months. The situation remains critical as new cases are reported weekly, according to reports from Göteborgs-Posten.
VRE is a multi-resistant bacteria transmitted through fecal matter and presents significant treatment challenges due to its antibiotic resistance. So far, however, no serious illnesses have been associated with the infections, with Anneli Fagerberg from the hospital stating that the bacteria mainly causes carriers among those infected rather than leading to acute illness.
The outbreak began last winter, prompting hospital officials to reassess their hygiene protocols. Fagerberg emphasized the necessity of strict adherence to established cleaning practices as a key measure to cut down the bacteria's transmission. In a bid to contain the outbreak, Sahlgrenska Hospital is decreasing the number of available care places to provide at-risk patients with dedicated toilet facilities, thereby minimizing potential spread.