Outbreak of antibiotic-resistant germs reported at Guelph General Hospital

Staff at Guelph General Hospital are dealing with an outbreak of a potentially contagious strain of germs.

According to the hospital’s website, Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health recommended the facility declare an outbreak of carbapenemase-producing organisms (CPO) on the 6 West inpatient unit on Tuesday.

The bacteria is resistant to many kinds of antibiotics and can be contagious. While the germs do not always cause symptoms, they can lead to infections like pneumonia. The hospital said at least two patients have acquired the bacteria while in the hospital as of Wednesday.

The unit has been closed to visitors, students and volunteers and all high touch and high traffic spaces are being thoroughly cleaned.

All other areas of the hospital are operating as normal.

Anyone who wants to visit the hospital is encouraged to clean their hands often.