Outbreak of Antibiotic-Resistant Infections at Rambam Hospital

An outbreak of highly resistant bacteria and a dangerous fungus was discovered in several wards of the Rambam Hospital, prompting urgent measures to be taken by the Haifa Medical Center to control the infections. The bacteria identified were Acinetobacter and Klebsiella, while the fungus was of the Candida auris type. While these bacteria do not pose a threat to healthy individuals, they can cause life-threatening complications in patients with weakened immune systems. One possible cause of the outbreak was attributed to the heavy workload of hospitalized patients due to the hospital’s high occupancy rate.

In response to the outbreak, the hospital’s director, Prof. Mickey Halbertal, instructed medical teams to work with full shielding when moving between patients in the affected wards. Additionally, new patients will not be admitted until the outbreak is under control. Families of patients visiting the wards were also briefed on protective measures and the importance of strict hand hygiene.

Acinetobacter and Klebsiella are highly resistant bacteria commonly found in hospital settings, particularly in intensive care units. Acinetobacter is considered one of the most dangerous bacteria by the World Health Organization, known for causing blood infections, lung infections, catheter-related infections, and wound infections. Infections with these bacteria can be fatal, with mortality rates as high as 80% in affected individuals.

Klebsiella, on the other hand, is also a highly resistant bacterium that poses a significant threat to hospital patients. It is known to cause severe infections in the lungs, urinary system, respiratory tract, and surgical wounds. The bacterium can quickly spread throughout the body, leading to complications such as gallbladder inflammation, sepsis, and even death. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are crucial in improving the chances of survival for patients infected with Klebsiella.