Superbug 'widespread' in hospitals

A new report from the National Disease Surveillance Centre has revealed that the MRSA superbug (Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus) is widespread in most of Ireland's major hospitals.

The report calls for increased funding to control the antibiotic-resistant disease, which causes death in up to 50% of those infected in their blood stream.

The bacterium is usually found on the skin or in the nose of up to one in three healthy individuals, but it becomes potentially lethal when it gains access to deep tissue.

The report indicates that Ireland has higher levels of MRSA in hospitals and nursing homes than other EU countries, but current resources to control the bug are below international standards.

It also recommends a number of measures to prevent the spread of MRSA, including better hygiene control among healthcare staff in hospitals and nursing homes, such as washing of hands between patients, increased spacing between beds and extra isolation rooms in acute services.

The study also recommends a financial impact assessment of MRSA in Ireland and proposes a more prudent use of antibiotics by medical staff.