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China urges hospitals to prepare for NDM-1 bacteria

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2010-10-09 23:06

BEIJING - China's Ministry of Health on Saturday issued guidelines urging full preparations at medical institutions nationwide for treating the multi-drug resistant NDM-1 bacteria.

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According to the guidelines, it is likely that the bacteria is mainly transmitted through close contact, with key vulnerable groups being patients with serious illnesses, those chronically taking antibiotics or receiving mechanical assistance for breathing.

The guidelines said that symptoms for patients infected with NDM-1 are no different than those presented by antibiotic-sensitive bacterium, but they are resistant to ordinary antibiotic treatments.

NDM-1 is most prevalent in South Asia, but has also been found in Britain, the Netherlands, Australia, Canada, the United States and Sweden.

Earlier this month, Taiwan reported its first case of the bacteria, found in a wounded Taiwan cameraman just back from India.

The cameraman is said to have been recovering and have been discharged from hospital, even as officials ruled out risks from the spread of the disease.

Further, no NDM-1 cases have been reported in the Chinese mainland.

While urging medical facilities to strengthen the monitoring of NDM-1 and tighten the management of antibiotics, the orders called on hospitals to intensify prevention and control of various infections.