A dozen patients have tested positive for C. difficile at Royal Inland Hospital in the past week.
(JENNIFER STAHN / iNFOnews.ca)
November 12, 2013 - 7:24 PM
KAMLOOPS – While hospital officials believe they have contained a recent outbreak of C. difficile, administrator Marg Brown says two more patients tested positive over the weekend and another one of the original 10 has died.
“Currently we have 12 patients that have tested positive,” Brown says. “10 remain in hospital and one has been discharged.... One individual has passed away, it's believed to be related to other health issues.”
Brown notes they have isolated all the patients testing positive for C. difficile in one unit at Royal Inland Hospital, which has helped to contain the infection. Many patients have been or are being tested, but not all showing symptoms will test positive for C. difficile, she says.
“This is the season where we do see a bit of C. difficile or other flu-like symptoms,” Brown says, adding that it's not uncommon to have one or two patients with the infection. “It is enough of a concern for us to take additional precautionary measures this time.”
People not needing medical attention are still being asked to limit visits to the hospital and when onsite to be vigilant with hand washing. People should still come for appointments and to emergency when needed though, Brown adds.
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News from © iNFOnews, 2013