The infection passes between individuals through contact with hands, medical equipment, or surfaces contaminated with the bacteria
Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast(Image: PA Archive/PA Images)
A Northern Ireland hospital is currently dealing with an outbreak of an antibiotic-resistant infection.
The Belfast Trust has confirmed it is working alongside the Public Health Agency to manage an outbreak of a Carbapenemase-Producing Organism (CPO) at the Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast.
CPOs are highly resistant bacteria that produce enzymes capable of breaking down carbapenem antibiotics, making them particularly difficult to treat.
The infection passes between individuals through contact with hands, medical equipment, or surfaces contaminated with the bacteria.
According to the HSE, CPE are not very common in Ireland but people who spend a lot of time in hospital are more likely to get them than other people. The CPE bug can live in your bowel for months or even years.
The initial case was detected at the Royal Victoria Hospital on 28 April, with an outbreak formally declared just two days later, reports Belfast Live.
The infection was first identified at the Royal Victoria Hospital last month(Image: Justin Kernoghan/Belfast Live)
A Belfast Trust spokesperson said: “Belfast Trust is managing an outbreak of a Carbapenemase-Producing Organism (CPO) at the Royal Victoria Hospital with support from the Public Health Agency on infection, prevention and control guidance.
“A small number of patients within the Medical Specialities and Unscheduled Care Division have been identified as carrying a CPO.
“The first case of CPO was identified on 28 April 2026, and the outbreak was formally declared on 30 April 2026.
“Appropriate outbreak control measures, including enhanced cleaning of the ward, have been implemented in line with guidance from the Outbreak Control Group.
“The Trust is engaging with the families of all affected patients.
“There have been no reported fatalities or serious illness directly attributed to this specific CPO strain.”
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