An antibiotic-resistant infection has emerged at a prominent hospital in Northern Ireland. The Belfast Trust has acknowledged collaborating with the Public Health Agency to address the outbreak of a Carbapenemase-Producing Organism (CPO) at Royal Victoria Hospital.
CPOs are bacteria with high resistance that release enzymes capable of breaking down carbapenem antibiotics. Transmission of the infection occurs through person-to-person contact via hands, medical tools, or contaminated surfaces.
The first case of the infection was detected at Royal Victoria Hospital on April 28, with the official declaration of an outbreak made two days later on April 30. Patients who have been on extensive antibiotic treatments are more susceptible to contracting a CPO, as reported by Belfast Live.
To control the situation, the hospital has implemented rigorous infection control measures and thorough cleaning protocols. Working closely with the Public Health Agency, the Trust is also in communication with the families of affected patients.
Patients testing positive for CPO will receive care in isolated rooms equipped with necessary facilities. Healthcare staff attending to these patients are mandated to wear gloves, aprons, or gowns for protection.
A spokesperson from the Belfast Trust stated, “We are actively managing an outbreak of a Carbapenemase-Producing Organism (CPO) at the Royal Victoria Hospital with support from the Public Health Agency in providing infection prevention and control guidance.”
“The outbreak has affected a small number of patients within the Medical Specialties and Unscheduled Care Division,” the spokesperson added. “Proper outbreak control measures, including enhanced ward cleaning, are being enforced following guidance from the Outbreak Control Group.”
The Trust assures that no deaths or severe illnesses have been directly linked to this specific strain of CPO.
