Health NZ has confirmed two separate outbreaks of antibiotic-resistant superbugs at Christchurch Hospital, triggering tightened infection-control procedures on an affected ward.
The outbreaks involve two different strains of enterococci that no longer respond to several frontline treatments, including vancomycin, a powerful antibiotic usually reserved for severe infections that can’t be treated with safer alternatives, reported RNZ.
Dr Sarah Berger, nursing director for Health NZ Canterbury and West Coast, said “fewer than 10 patients” had been identified, and emphasised that the majority were carriers rather than suffering active infections. Carriers can still spread the bacteria, making containment essential, RNZ reported.
In response, the hospital has introduced deep cleaning of the ward, expanded use of personal protective equipment, and reinforced other infection-prevention measures.
Berger said the incident reflected a broader global challenge. “Antimicrobial resistance is often called the ‘silent pandemic’, and it has reached New Zealand’s shores,” she noted.
AMR occurs when bacteria and other microbes change over time and no longer respond to medicines, she explained. As resistance rises, treatments become less effective and infections increasingly difficult to control, RNZ reported.
Health NZ says it is monitoring the situation closely while maintaining safeguards to prevent further spread.
ISSUE
Leave a Comment