THUNDER BAY — Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences centre has imposed visitor restrictions on one ward because of an outbreak of vancomycin-resistant bacteria (VRE).
Vancomycin is an antibiotic used to treat various types of bacterial infections.
VRE bacteria live on the skin or in the intestines, usually without causing any problems.
However, they have the potential to cause serious infections among people who are ill or weak.
In a statement Tuesday, the hospital said the outbreak is in Unit 2A, but did not indicate how many patients are affected.
When Tbnewswatch sought more information, a spokesperson said the number of patients involved in the outbreak will not be provided "due to patient privacy."
John Ross, Director of Medicine, Patient Flow and Partnerships, said VRE outbreaks are common and are not unique to Thunder Bay Regional.
"We are familiar with the bacteria and know how to address the problem," Ross said.
He said the outbreak is not related to the Coronavirus.
Visitors are currently not permitted on 2A unless they have been identified as a patient's designated Care Partner.
In February 2018, the hospital declared an outbreak of VRE on five wards.
