The affected residents live in the Sunset Household at the home, and all five have tested positive for colonization or carriers of the bacteria. The residents are otherwise healthy at this time.
“We are working closely with staff at Beach Gove Home to continue to screen all residents within the affected household, and appropriate precautions are being taken to ensure the bacteria isn’t spread to other residents,” says Dr. Greg German, medical microbiologist and infectious disease consultant.
“As MRSA is most commonly spread by direct and indirect contact via the hands, it is extremely important that everyone coming into the home, including visitors, clean their hands before and after entering a resident’s room and upon entering and leaving the facility."
Visitation to the Sunset Household is limited to two people at a time, per resident. Visits should be no more than two hours.
Staff will reassess the situation next Tuesday, Sept. 19 when a further update will be provided.
About MRSA
• MRSA is a bacteria that is resistant to certain types of antibiotics
• Individuals who test positive for these antibiotic-resistant bacteria can either be "colonized" (also referred to as a "carrier’) or "infected."
• Colonization occurs when the bacteria live on one or more body sites with no signs and symptoms of illness
• Infection occurs when the bacteria get past a person’s normal defences and the individual becomes ill.
