Deadly Bacteria Sweeping thru Israeli Hospitals

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Deadly Bug Sweeps Through Hospitals in Israel Killing Up to 200

Wednesday, March 07, 2007

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A deadly bacteria is sweeping through hospitals in Israel, and has already caused the deaths of up to 200 people, health officials acknowledged Wednesday.

“Between 400 to 500 people have been infected by the bug, and 30 to 40 percent of them have already died,” said Yehuda Carmeli, the head of the epidemiology unit at the Sourasky Medical Center in Tel Aviv. “However, it is important to note that most of them were in a serious condition, and some were suffering from prior medical conditions.”

Health Minister Ya'acov Ben-Yizri confirmed that Klebsiella pneumoniae was responsible for the deaths, but insisted that the victims were already seriously ill when they contracted the deadly bug.

Ben-Yizri said his office was investigating, and that there was no reason to panic. He added that the Health Ministry was investigating to see if other countries were encountering similar problems with the bacteria and if there were antibiotics available.

I can't resist - I just smell a conspiracy in there somehwere...

Herd of MRSA?

Antibiotic resistant bugs have been a problem in UK NHS hospitals for a few years now. Prob down to Doctors handing out antibiotics for any reason for years now.