Posters warning of the outbreak of the superbug Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) in Christchurch Hospital this week. Photo / Supplied
One of the strains found in Christchurch had been linked to an Auckland cluster, she said.
AMR occurred when bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites changed over time and no longer responded to many medicines, making infections harder to treat.
“As a result of drug resistance, antibiotics and other antimicrobial medicines become less effective and infections become increasingly difficult to treat.
“However, most patients are carriers of the bug, rather than actually having an active infection.”
Infection prevention measures were in place, including deep cleans of the ward environment and use of personal protective equipment, Berger said.
“Managing VRE is part of routine staff practice because of the increasing spread of these bugs within our community.”
Infection Prevention Control (IPC) specialists also supported clinical teams to make sure processes were understood and followed.
“Our IPC specialists have met with patients and their families and provided them with information sheets and taken time to answer any questions or concerns they may have.”