An outbreak of C. difficile has been declared at St. Mary’s General Hospital, with seven patients reportedly infected with the bacteria.
The medical unit involved has been closed to transfers and admissions, according to a press release from the hospital.
Officials say there has been no person to person transmission. All infections are a result of treatments being used for other illnesses and all patients are stable.
Patients in the unit have all been placed in isolation and restricted to two visitors, who must follow infection control practices.
Enhanced cleaning procedures and other precautions are also in place.
In a press release President Don Shilton says “We are taking this situation very seriously and will work closely with Public Health to resolve it as quickly as possible.”
This is the first C. difficile outbreak at St. Mary’s since mandatory public reporting began in 2009, officials say.
