DOH to seek WHO advice on status of super bug

CEBU CITY, Philippines  – The Department of Health (DOH) will seek advice on a new “super bug” which threatens to reach global proportions.

The bug, known as New Delhi Metallo-beta-lactamase – or NDM-1 bacteria – is resistant to the strongest antibiotics.

NDM-1 bacteria, which pertains to E. coli and Klebsiella pneumonae bacterial infections, was first isolated in a Swedish patient who spent time in an Indian hospital last year.

DOH spokeswoman Yolanda Oliveros said the department has not yet received an advisory from the World Health Organization (WHO) but would seek advice on how to deal with the bug should it be detected in the country.

She emphasized that the super bug has not yet reached the country.

Oliveros said people, in the meantime, should ensure high levels of personal hygiene and sanitation as the bacteria could be transmitted through contaminated droplets and body fluids.

Hospitals should also instigate infection control measures, including regular disinfection, and health workers should be reminded to wash their hands before treating patients.    

The DOH would not comment on how travelers from affected countries should be treated pending an advisory from the WHO.

Oliveros said a re-emergence of diseases is possible due to the changing nature of the world.

“With climate change and...the mobilization of people, the world is now borderless. Somehow, we can expect the emergence and re-emergence of diseases so we must always prepare,” she said.