Saline product ordered out of hospitals as Tasmania records five dangerous bacterial cases

Tasmania has issued an urgent alert to healthcare services over an infected saline product, after five cases of the potentially deadly Ralstonia pickettii bacteria were confirmed in the state.

The Tasmanian Government has issued an urgent alert to healthcare services over a potentially infected saline product.

The Tasmanian government has issued an urgent alert to healthcare service providers over a contaminated saline product, after five cases of the potentially dangerous Ralstonia pickettii bacteria were confirmed in the state.

The move comes as more than 40 suspected infections have been recorded across Australia, one of which is reported to have resulted in a man’s death in Queensland.

The Health Department said that in line with the latest Therapeutic Goods Administration alert, it had asked Tasmanian medicos to pause the use of the InterPharma products until further notice.

Saline solution.

A national investigation is currently underway, attempting to confirm the source of detections.

A Health Department spokesperson said that while previous clusters of Ralstonia pickettii in Australia and overseas had been associated with contaminated medical products, none of the five Tasmanian cases had caused clinical illness.

“Ralstonia pickettii is a bacteria which is found in the natural environment, and rarely causes infection in humans,” the spokesperson said.

“However, the bacteria may cause infection in people with weakened immune systems.

“The bacteria can be treated effectively with antibiotics.

“The Department of Health has provided advice to medical and healthcare providers across Tasmanian and will continue to provide updates as required.

“No interruptions to patient care are expected.”