Norfolk General Hospital declares VRE outbreak on Unit 3E

(SIMCOE) – Norfolk General Hospital (NGH) has declared a Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus (VRE) outbreak on the 3E Medical Unit after five hospital-acquired cases were identified.

To help limit the spread of VRE, NGH has put in place a number of infection prevention and control measures, including:

• Increased testing of patients on the 3E Unit
• Enhanced cleaning of the unit and medical equipment
• Monitoring to ensure correct use of personal protective equipment (PPE)

At this time, the 3E Medical Unit remains open to admissions. Visitors are asked to avoid visiting if possible. If a visit is necessary, please wash your hands when entering and leaving the unit and patient rooms, and follow all posted isolation signs.

PPE is available outside patient rooms, and additional signage has been installed to help keep everyone safe.

The health and safety of our patients, staff, and community remain our top priority. We continue to monitor the situation closely and will provide updates as needed.

What is VRE?

Enterococci are bacteria that normally live in the intestines and are usually harmless. Some strains have become resistant to the antibiotic vancomycin. This type is called Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus (VRE).

Many people carry VRE without symptoms (colonization), but it can cause infections in people who are already ill. VRE spreads through direct contact, often through hands or contaminated surfaces.

For more information about infection prevention and control at NGH, please visit: www.ngh.on.ca.