Alert as contagious carbapenem resistant enterobacter (CRE) hits Flinders Medical Centre
A highly contagious bug has put restrictions within the Flinders Medical Centre to try and stop the spread of the antibiotic-resistant CPE.
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Flinders Medical Centre is juggling a serious infectious diseases outbreak with some restrictions within the hospital.
The Advertiser understands dozens of patients have been infected with the highly contagious carbapenem resistant enterobacter (CRE). — and have been put into isolation.
The so-called super bug is spread through contaminated hands, surfaces or equipment.
The bacteria living in the bowels of humans is resistant to antibiotics.
SA Health advises: “CPE can live harmlessly in the bowel but can cause infection if introduced into normally sterile sites such as the bladder or blood.”
“There are currently 28 people colonised with CPE at Flinders Medical Centre (FMC),” a spokesperson said.
“Of the 28 cases, four people have needed to be treated and are now asymptomatic and not infectious.
“Since 17 December 2024, 55 people have been colonised of CPE at FMC. People can be colonised, but this does not necessarily mean they are infected with CPE.
“Enterobacterales are a group of bacteria that normally live in the bowel (gut). In rare cases they can invade blood or tissues and cause infection. CPE are bacteria of this group that are especially resistant to usual and highly effective antibiotics. CPE are of concern as they can be harder to treat.
“CPE is spread by contact between people including by hands or from contact with contaminated environmental surfaces or equipment.”
SALHN Executive Director Medical Services, Dr Diana Lawrence said “There are currently no cases symptomatic with Carbapenemase-producing enterobacterales (CPE) at Flinders Medical Centre and there is no risk to the broader public.”
“People who are colonised for CPE but do not have a CPE infection do not usually require treatment, and it does not generally result in illness or noticeable symptoms in people who are otherwise well,” Dr Lawrence said.
“Any patient who has come into contact with CPE in hospital will be contacted by SALHN infection control or CDCB.
“FMC staff are continuing to implement standard and recommended infection prevention and control measures including increased frequency of cleaning, education, and regular screening of patients, in line with national guidelines.
“We are taking a proactive approach to support staff in maintaining best practice infection control measures including hand washing and environmental cleaning.
“Hospital environments routinely manage and treat multi-resistant organisms as part of day-to-day healthcare.
“Anyone with an infection with CPE will receive the most appropriate antibiotics, care, and advice.”
CPE is a notifiable disease in South Australia.
As of March 8 there had been 54 cases reported compared to zero at the same time last year.
In total in 2024 there were 62 cases.
While in most people it does not cause illness, in other vulnerable people it can cause serious diseases including pneumonia.
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Originally published as Alert as contagious carbapenem resistant enterobacter (CRE) hits Flinders Medical Centre
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