Outbreak of Resistant Bacteria and Deadly Fungus in Rambam Hospital: How Healthcare Facilities Can Address this Crisis

A dangerous outbreak of highly resistant bacteria and a deadly fungus has been detected in several wards of the Rambam Hospital. The hospital has taken urgent measures to control the spread of the infections, including instructing medical teams to work with full shielding when moving between patients and not admitting new patients until the outbreak is under control.

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.

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 this bacterium can be fatal, with mortality rates as high as 80% in affected individuals. Klebsiella 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.

In response to the outbreak, medical teams at Rambam Hospital have implemented strict hand hygiene protocols for families visiting affected wards and provided them with information on protective measures. The hospital’s director has also instructed medical teams to work with full shielding when moving between patients in affected wards to prevent further transmission of infection.

While Acinetobacter and Klebsiella are common causes of hospital-acquired infections (HAIs), their resistance makes them particularly difficult to treat effectively. However, prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial for improving patient outcomes and reducing mortality rates associated with these deadly bacteria.

Rambam Hospital is taking all necessary precautions to ensure that its patients receive appropriate care while minimizing risk during this critical time.