An outbreak of C.difficile has been declared at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance.
Five cases of healthcare acquired infection have been identified on the Medicine B unit at the Chatham site since December 23rd.
CK Public Health is working closely with the hospital to manage the outbreak.
C.diff infection happens when antibiotics kill good gut bacteria, allowing C.diff to multiply. When this occurs, the C.diff bacteria produces toxins that damage the gut and can cause diarrhea. C.diff is the most common cause of infectious diarrhea in hospitals and nursing homes.
As part of CKHA’s infection prevention and control guidelines, a number of additional initiatives have been implemented in response to the outbreak on the Medicine B Unit. CKHA will continue following these measures until CK Public Health rescinds the outbreak orders.
