Increased transmission of MRSA and VRE at STEGH - St. Thomas Times-Journal - Ontario, CA.
The St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital (STEGH) through normal monitoring procedures has noted an increase in transmission of VRE and MRSA above normal rates. Following consultation with Elgin St Thomas Public Health (ESPH) Friday afternoon, STEGH declared an outbreak situation on the 2nd surgical floor. These patients are not symptomatic but this bacteria was identified during routine swabs. "We have very strict monitoring measures in place. On a day-to-day basis we know our transmission rate and immediately act upon any trends," explains Brenda Lambert, VP Patient Services. "We are declaring this outbreak in part to raise awareness within the organization and the community of the need for diligent hand washing, and following isolation precautions."
