The Costa Rica Ministry of Health reports that an outbreak of hospital-acquired infection by the bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa was detected in the National Burn Unit of the San Juan de Dios Hospital, in San José.
Image/Robert Herriman
To date, seven confirmed cases have been reported among patients hospitalized in this unit. No deaths have been reported.
As a preventative measure, the National Burn Unit has been temporarily closed while safety is ensured for the care of new patients. Currently, six patients remain hospitalized under strict isolation measures, and one has already been discharged.
The bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa can be found in humid environments and, in hospitals, primarily affects patients with delicate health conditions, such as burn victims. Transmission occurs mainly through contact with contaminated surfaces or equipment and does not pose a risk to healthy family members or visitors.
Since the outbreak was detected, authorities activated immediate containment measures, including:
temporary closure of the unit,
Strengthening of cleaning and disinfection protocols,
investigation of the possible source of infection,
continuous epidemiological surveillance,
and staff training on prevention and control measures.
This event is being managed through coordination between the Ministry of Health and the Costa Rican Social Security System (CCSS), with ongoing technical monitoring and supervision. The National Burn Unit will reopen when authorities determine that safe conditions exist for patient care.