Carbapenems are a group of antibiotics often used to treat complex infections, and when other antibiotics have been ineffective. CPE is a family of bacteria resistant to nearly all antibiotics.
HVDHB web news HERE
This bacteria is extremely rare in New Zealand and most previous cases have been linked with travel overseas. This cluster of cases appears to have originated in the community, and is contained in Hutt Valley. The DHB has not, to date, been able to confirm the source of infection.
Two cases were identified in hospital, and three in the community. In all but one patient, the colonisation was an incidental finding, and hasn't resulted in illness. The one patient who did have illness has been successfully treated.
Hutt Valley DHB infectious diseases senior medical officer, Dr Matthew Kelly, says the community need not be alarmed, but should be aware.
Hutt Valley DHB is in the process of informing health care professionals in environments that deal with vulnerable people, such as hospitals, aged residential care facilities, community nursing and general practice, and reminding staff to be extra vigilant in use of hand hygiene and infection control.
Questions and Answers
What do people need to know about CPE?
- Infections with CPE are preventable and extremely rare.
- The presence of CPE in the gut (colonisation) doesn’t mean you’ll get sick.
- Good hand hygiene and other infection control practices such as thorough cleaning of surfaces and equipment are an effective way to reduce the risk of spreading.
- Remember to use antibiotics in a careful way because inappropriate use of antibiotics contributes to the spread of CPE.
Where have these cases occurred?
Our routine laboratory processes have detected the presence of CPE in five patients, two at Hutt Valley DHB and three in the community.
When were they discovered?
We had the first confirmed laboratory result on Saturday 25 August and the most recent case was identified this Friday 12 October. Patients and their health professionals have been informed of the results immediately.
Why are you telling people now?
We are communicating proactively as soon as is reasonably possible, bearing in mind we assessed the risk to the general public as being low.
We wanted to make sure our communications are well planned otherwise we risk sending confusing messages.
Other health agencies were told immediately as we recognise it could affect their patient care.
How were the cases discovered?
CPE is detected on standard microbiology tests requested by health professionals. We also carry out additional screening as part of everyday care in the hospital.
How has Hutt Valley DHB communicated with the families of the people carrying CPE?
Patients are phoned to discuss the result and sent written information. In some cases one of our Infection Prevention and Control nurses will also visit patients to discuss the results further.
How common is it?
There have been an increasing number of CPE cases identified in NZ and so far this year there have been around 50 cases. Most people found to have CPE in New Zealand became infected overseas, particularly if they had been in an overseas hospital.
Is CPE common in New Zealand or have people picked it up elsewhere?
It is uncommon in New Zealand, but may be picked up while travelling overseas.
What can people do to prevent CPE?
Good hand and food hygiene is the best prevention. Where soap and water isn’t available, an alcohol-based hand sanitiser is effective.
How do you get CPE?
CPE is found in the gut bacteria of a carrier and is transferred by touch to surfaces, skin or food when that person hasn’t washed their hands properly after going to the toilet. Someone else can then unknowingly transfer the bacteria to their mouth.
