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Superbug infections on the rise

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Superbug infections on the rise

3News NZ

There were 1042 cases of MRSA, or methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus, recorded in the month-long survey in August last year - 288 more than in 2010 (file)

There were 1042 cases of MRSA, or methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus, recorded in the month-long survey in August last year - 288 more than in 2010 (file)

The number of people contracting a superbug has risen by 37 percent in the last year, according to Environmental Science and Research (ESR) figures.

There were 1042 cases of MRSA, or methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus, recorded in the month-long survey in August last year - 288 more than in 2010.

The increase was the largest single-year rise in the past decade and Medical Association deputy chairman Mark Peterson says it reflects the worldwide growth in superbugs.

"We've known about this increased resistance probably for a generation really and GPs and other doctors have become, over that period of time, much more careful with the use of antibiotics," he told Fairfax.

Doctors had been able to treat infections with antibiotics for 70 years, but it might not be so easy in another 70 years, he said.

Very sick or elderly hospital patients are most at risk from a superbug infection, as well as those who have an open wound, such as a bedsore, or a tube going into their body.

However, doctors are more worried about treating the lesser-known superbug, extended-spectrum beta-lactamase, or ESBL, which is resistant to a greater range of drugs.

Incidences have risen from 83 in 2001 to 578 in 2011.

Extremely sick patients and the elderly were more susceptible to ESBL bacteria, which adds to the difficulty in treating it as their bodies are battling other illnesses.

NZN

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Comments

16/07/2012 2:34:58 p.m.

Divadays wrote:

When my son was a few days old, and in the NICU at our local major hospital, he had to go to theatre for his first of many, many operations. He came out with MMRSA (multi resistant strain of MRSA). All family who had visited as well as NICU staff were tested and the results showed noone had it...logical conclusion? He got it in theatre. It is fairly well known that if you go in for an op, expect to come out with MRSA. Luckily for my son (and I), his is colonised in one specific area, has never actually caused an issue, he does have anti biotics on a regular basis - to keep the bug in check (it never goes away). I only get a smidge upset when he gets treated like a leper when it was the hospital eho gave it to him! Gloves, gowns, masks...the staff look like aliens when they come in to his room! BUT, for all the hype, generated mostly by the media, there are not so many who have it that it will cause a problem. I have had 2 major operations and have not had it on my body or in my wounds. If you are immune compromised, you have a higher chance of catching it and it MIGHT cause you a slight issue- which can be treated with the right anti-b's. But if you are normally a healthy person, you have little to worry about. I have seen youtube vids titled "deadly mrsa virus (I survived)... Seriously? Wtf? Pfft talk about drama!! It all comes down to finishing your course of anti-bs when your GP gives them to you. Simple.

16/07/2012 12:24:01 p.m.

S wrote:

This bug seems to be rampant in the North Shore & Waitakere Hospitals...strict hygiene and cleaning practices need to be put in place i.e steam cleaning the floors to kill the bugs.