Bug outbreak linked to 16 deaths

It is a particularly virulent strain of the bug Clostridium difficile

Sixteen deaths in hospitals in the Northern Trust area in recent months have been linked to an outbreak of the superbug Clostridium difficile.

The death certificates of 10 elderly patients who died in Antrim Area Hospital in the last six months cite C. difficile as a contributory factor.

In the last three months, five deaths in Whiteabbey and one in Braid Valley Hospital have been linked to the bug.

C. difficle is recognised as being largely a hospital-acquired infection.

The bacterium causes diarrhoea and can even rupture the bowel.

The Northern Trust has recently identified a virulent strain called ribotype 027, which it says is linked to the 16 deaths.

It is believed to be the first time this strain has emerged in Northern Ireland.

Thirteen patients who have contracted the bug in the Northern Trust area are being treated, with a special ward being set aside at Antrim hospital to dealt with the outbreak.