A number of ICU patients at Northern Ireland's Nightingale hospital have been infected by ‘superbug’ Glycopeptide Resistant Enterococci (GRE).
The bacteria, which is commonly found in the bowel of healthy people, is harmless to those who are well.
But for those who are already sick, antibiotic resistant GRE can cause problems in wounds, the blood, abdomen, heart and urinary tract.
The Belfast Trust said “every precaution is being taken” after the bug was discovered on some of the 13 Covid-19 positive intensive care patients at Belfast City Hospital.
It is understood it was picked up so quickly because of the strict daily infection controls in place at the hospital’s Nightingale unit.
GRE is one type of enterococci bacteria - called such as it is resistant to a Glycopeptide type of antibiotics like Vancomycin or Teicoplanin.
NHS advice on it suggests some people may have it when admitted to hospital, but that “it is more often acquired whilst in hospital particularly by those with lowered immunity”.
It is “most commonly spread on the hands” and because of this good hand hygiene is recommended, especially after visiting the toilet or before eating.
Transmission can also occur from the hands of a healthcare worker or direct and indirect transmission from a contaminated patient environment or piece of equipment
“ Belfast Trust has identified a number of patients with Glycopeptide Resistant Enterococci (GRE) in the Belfast Nightingale ICU,” they said in a statement.
“We are in the process of contacting patients and their families and would like to reassure them, as well as the wider public, that the situation is being appropriately managed.
“Robust infection prevention and control measures are in place in the unit and every precaution is being taken.”
The main risks associated with the ‘superbug’ are intensive care treatment, a prolonged hospital stay and antibiotic treatment.
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