Sault hospital reports outbreak of superbug, visitor restrictions imposed

Sault Area Hospital. (File)

Visting hours are being limited on a medical unit at Sault Area Hospital because of an outbreak of a superbug, officials said Friday.

The outbreak of Carbapenemase-Producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) was declared Jan. 1 on medical unit 3C, the hospital said in a news release.

"CPE are bacteria that are resistant to many antibiotics, including carbapenems, and are considered a type of superbug," the release said.

"CPE are usually found in the gut of people and are normally harmless. CPE can cause infection if they get into other parts of the body, such as the bloodstream, urinary tract, or wound. People with weakened immune systems are more at risk of developing an infection."

As a result, SAH has limited visiting hours on 3C from 1-8 p.m. daily. However, visiting hours for essential caregivers remain unchanged -- 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. daily.

"SAH has implemented a number of infection prevention and control protocols and measures such as patient isolation, contact precautions, increased environmental cleaning and limiting visiting hours," the hospital said.

Anyone visiting 3C should clean their hands upon arrival and when they leave.

They must also check in at the nursing station before visiting and follow the direction of the health care providers.

"Wear PPE, including mask, gloves and gown, as directed by health care providers," the release said.

"Do not use a patient’s washroom. Do not eat or drink in the patient’s room while you are visiting (and) do not visit if you have cold/flu symptoms."

More information is available here.