Woman develops rare infection after undergoing open heart surgery at Prince of Wales Hospital
A WOMAN who underwent surgery at Prince of Wales Hospital at Randwick has been confirmed as the first person in NSW to contract a rare infection.
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A WOMAN in her eighties who underwent surgery at Prince of Wales Hospital at Randwick has been confirmed as the first person in NSW to contract a rare infection.
NSW Health has confirmed the woman has contracted Mycobacterium chimaera, a slow-growing bacterial infection, after undergoing surgery at the hospital in 2015.
Last year NSW Health contacted patients who may have been exposed to the infection from open heart surgery equipment used in four public hospitals.
The equipment, used in countries around the world, is thought to have been contaminated during manufacture.
NSW Chief Health Officer Kerry Chant said the woman was responding well to antibiotics.
“NSW Health responded to international advice and sent letters to patients who underwent open heart surgery between January 2012 and August 2016 at Prince of Wales, St George, The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, or Sydney Children’s Hospital Randwick,” Dr Chant said.
“These letters informed patients about the risk, symptoms and what to do if concerned.
“When we were notified of this infection risk to patients, NSW Health replaced and removed from service the machines used in the four public hospitals, issued alerts to the community and doctors, and circulated new national guidelines for the equipment.”
Patients are being warned to out for the following symptoms; persistent fevers, increasing or unusual shortness of breath and unexplained weight loss.
Dr Chant said NSW Health was providing updated advice to all GPs and relevant specialists.
“NSW Health is continuing to monitor heart surgery patients in NSW and keep abreast of international responses and advice,” she said.
“Worldwide, around 70 heart surgery patients have contracted this infection, with only two patients in Australia, including this NSW case.”
Patients seeking further details can contact the Sydney Children’s Hospital Network on 9845 3442 pr the South Eastern Sydney Local Health District on 1800 875 526.
Learn more by reading this fact sheet.
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