Outbreak of CPE superbug confirmed at Mayo University Hospital

THE HSE has confirmed an outbreak of the CPE superbug at Mayo University Hospital in Castlebar.

It follows a question raised on the matter by local independent Councillor Michael Kilcoyne.

Ann Cosgrove, chief operations officer, Saolta University Health Care Group, confirmed to him an increase in the number of cases of CPE has been identified at the centre following a screening process.

She stated: “This increase in cases is being managed in line with national guidelines.

“All patients that were affected have been communicated with directly by their relevant consultants.

“Communication has been sent internally throughout the hospital and we are currently working on more detailed information for the public on general issues relating to CPE.

“CPE is an antibiotic resistant organism. A number of different kinds of CPE have been introduced into Ireland and have spread in the healthcare system in recent years.

“For most patients who carry CPE it never causes any illness, but lies harmlessly in the gut. Most people in Ireland who carry CPE have picked it up in hospital in Ireland.

“We believe, based on testing, that the number of people who carry CPE in Ireland is still fairly small (probably about 2,000).

“The HSE has committed resources and clinical support to help reduce the spread of CPE and to manage healthcare associated infections.”

Councillor Kilcoyne said he is extremely concerned about the situation.

“I am particular disappointed that an awareness campaign was not launched once detection of this untreatable superbug, which poses a serious treat to patients and the public, was confirmed.

“There should be mandatory reporting of all such matters and I am worried it may not have come to light unless I had submitted a question on the matter.”