| Azlan Othman |
THE Ministry of Health (MoH) dismissed as rumour a ‘statement’ circulated on social media yesterday which claimed that infectious viruses are spreading in Ward 18 of Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha (RIPAS) Hospital.
The information disseminated through WhatsApp, claiming that “a deadly virus attack in Ward 18 was hidden by the hospital authorities from patients”, is incorrect, the ministry said in a statement yesterday.
However, the MoH said that a type of bacteria called vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) was detected in Ward 18.
“VRE is not a virus but is a type of enterococci bacteria that is immune to antibiotic treatment. The bacteria can be found in the intestines and female genitalia or the surrounding environment and it will not cause any health problems.
“However, when the enterococci bacteria are immune to an antibiotic such as vancomycin, they can cause serious infections, especially in those with weak immunity and have prolonged chronic health problems or those have undergone surgery,” the ministry said.
“Vancomycin is a type of antibiotics commonly used to treat serious bacterial infections and it works by stopping bacterial growth in the body. VRE bacteria, like other bacteria, can be transmitted through skin contact or contact with contaminated goods and surfaces,” the MoH statement noted, adding that “VRE infection is not an extraordinary infection and it also occurs in hospitals in other countries”.
The ministry also said that in Brunei Darussalam, VRE cases are at a low level due to continuous infection control measures such as the implementation of hand hygiene practices for all parties, isolating patients in isolation wards to prevent transmission of infection and improving the environment of the patient in accordance with international infection control and prevention guidelines.
“So far, the MoH has identified five patients infected with VRE bacteria, and all of them are in a stable condition,” the statement said.
“As a proactive measure to control VRE infection from spreading in the ward, the MoH is implementing infection control measures such as isolating patients with infection; enhancing hand sanitisation practices for patients, guards, visitors and hospital residents; controlling hospital visitors; as well as improving the environment of the patients as well as wards.”
The Ministry of Health advised the public not to be easily deceived by and believe in information that is spread through the Internet or through other media such as WhatsApp, Twitter and Facebook without asserting its validity.
Furthermore, the public is also reminded to be more responsible and not to disseminate any unfounded information.
The act of disseminating false information, which is designed by those who simply intend to mislead, is an offence and can be reported under the law of the Public Order Act, Chapter 148 Section 34. Whoever distributes false reports or baseless statements, whether using oral, written or any other means, and causes public interruption can be sentenced to imprisonment for up to three years and a fine of B$3,000.
The Ministry of Health said it will continue to monitor the situation and advised the public, especially visitors, to comply with the visiting schedule at wards and improve the practice of hand hygiene and the environment.
The ministry also advised people who are unwell to not visit patients at the hospital to reduce the risk of infection and cooperate in addressing the situation.
For information and feedback, the public may visit the Ministry of Health’s website at www.moh.gov.bn or call Darussalam line 123.
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