Call for superbug infections database

A national database of MRSA infections should be established to determine the extent of the deadly superbug, it was claimed today.

The number of MRSA-related deaths has doubled in the UK since 1999 where statistics are recorded but no data is collected by hospitals in Ireland.

Support group, MRSA and Families, which was set up in 2004 by relatives of victims and survivors of the superbug, believes 10 people died from the bug in the last year.

Chairperson Margaret Dawson, whose husband, Joe contracted MRSA during routine hospital surgery, said: "Our hospitals are rampant at the moment. In the last 12 months, I know of at least 10 people who died. More people are contacting me every day with new cases."

"My husband was left an invalid. It completely takes over the body. The time for talking is over. "

MRSA or methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, is commonly found on the skin but causes no harmful ill-effects. However it can have fatal consequences if it gets into the bloodstream.

MRSA and Families is planning nationwide public information meetings beginning with Tralee next week and Galway in March.

Mrs Dawson urged people with relatives who contracted the superbug to register with her website, www.wallofsilence.ie.

Health Minister Mary Harney has said that effective infection control measures, including environmental cleanliness and hand hygiene, are central to the control of hospital-acquired infections like MRSA.

A national strategy to control antimicrobial resistance, including MRSA was published in 2001 and €20.5m has been made available for its implementation.

Mrs Dawson has also said patients must be informed immediately if doctors diagnose the bug.

A national counselling helpline is also essential to help victims' families cope, she added.

One of the top experts in the field, Dr Ian Hosein from Cardiff recently spoke in Dublin on the prevention and control of MRSA at a meeting organised by MRSA and Families. It was also attended by Health Service Executive officials.