Hi °C | Lo °C The number of reported cases of the superbug MRSA have fallen for the sixth year in a row to 242, new figures reveal.
The reported cases for 2012 fell from 263 in 2011 and compare to 592 in 2006, the Health Protection Surveillance Centre revealed. The report showed that while the overall trend in Ireland is decreasing, it is still relatively high and compares with the UK and southern Europe.
Large hospitals, which treat patients with complex conditions report the highest numbers of cases. Antibiotics can still be used to treat the bug, but a patient may need a higher dose over a much longer period.
The implementation of infection-control policies in hospitals has helped to reduce MRSA cases, but a recent survey showed many hospital staff are not washing their hands between patients.
Irish Independent
