Outbreak of C. difficile hits 15

C. difficile is not a "superbug" and can be treated relatively easily

Fifteen people in south Wales are being treated by doctors after an outbreak of the bug clostridium difficile.

The majority of those affected are patients at Prince Charles Hospital in Merthyr Tydfil.

The bacteria normally affects elderly patients, causing intestinal problems which can lead in more serious cases to bleeding and perforation.

North Glamorgan NHS Trust patients have been isolated and strict control measures have put in place.

Health officials said that all those identified with C. difficile were in the early stages of infection.

In a statement, North Glamorgan NHS Trust said there had been no new cases since Wednesday.

The statement added: "Whilst there is no cause for undue concern, the trust is taking the matter very seriously and staff are being asked to be vigilant with ward cleanliness and the use of protective equipment.

"Care is taken to ensure staff and visitors wash their hands and antibiotics are used, where appropriate, to combat the infection.

"Currently the Trust has 15 patients with the infection and although it may be a little early to say, the trust has not had any new cases since last Wednesday and the trust believes the measures being taken, including the isolation of affected patients, is having the desired effect."