Charlottetown hospital struck by superbug

Officials at Charlottetown's Queen Elizabeth Hospital are dealing with a rare form of infectious bacteria, vancomycin-resistant enterococci.

Six cases of VRE have been reported in the last month, and two people remain in hospital.It's the first time the bacteria has been discovered on P.E.I.

Enterococci are common bacteria, but are a problem when they become resistant to antibiotics.

"There are particular strains of enterococci which are resistant to many antibiotics including vancomycin," deputy chief health officer Dr. Lamont Sweet told CBC News Thursday.

Earlier this week, CBC News spoke to the husband of a 70-year-old woman released from hospital but who is still dealing with the infection andis very weak. While in hospital she slipped into a coma for 17 days.

The woman must wear rubber gloves at all times, and people who visit the house must wash their hands frequently.

Hospital personnel at the QEH are also being told to take extra care washing their hands and to use hand sanitizer more often. Hand contact is the most common way for VRE to be transmitted.

Sweet says over time the bacteria may naturally leave the body, but some people will have to live with it forever.