Hamilton hospitals are keeping the number of C. difficile cases low by following aggressive hygiene measures.

In Hamilton hospitals, if a patient presents with symptoms, specifically severe diarrhea, the person is immediately isolated and stool samples taken.

The hospital tests for C. difficile as well viral illnesses, such as Norwalk, and if tests are positive, treatment is started.

Lee Ramage, manager of infection control at Hamilton Health Sciences, said its three hospitals are also trying out a new product that allows staff to swab diapers or beds where patients have been incontinent.

HHS had 21 cases of C. diff from Jan. 1 to April 30 this year. That includes seven at the General, nine at the Henderson, five at McMaster University Medical Centre and none at Chedoke.

St. Joseph's Hospital identified 19 cases in the same time period.

There have been no deaths at Hamilton hospitals.

A C. diff outbreak at Joseph Brant hospital in Burlington caused the deaths of 62 patients over a 20-month period. The hospital adopted aggressive hygiene measures, including hiring 23 additional cleaners and using a special disinfectants that controlled the bacterium.

ddavy@thespec.com

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