Around 1,800 people may be infected with a superbug after Maasstad Hospital in Rotterdam failed to quarantine a patient carrying a multi-resistant bacteria for seven weeks.
The patient was allowed to roam freely for seven weeks in the hospital before precautionary measures were taken. As such, the hospital neglected basic rules to prevent the spread of infections.
One patient died in intensive care during the period in which the relatively high total of 21 patients contracted the bacteria. The hospital is looking into whether the death and the infections are connected.
Those who have been exposed to the bacteria are being informed. At least 63 people have contracted the superbug. Although they do not necessarily feel ill, they are carriers.
In the meantime, the hospital has taken measures to stop the spread of the bacteria. Patients who are possible carriers are being treated separately.
(nc/kh)
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