Sources have reported to the St Vincent Times that The Milton Cato Memorial Hospital (MCMH) is currently grappling with a critical infection control situation following reports that several patients have tested positive for a multi-drug-resistant bacterium.
The severity of the outbreak has led to the immediate suspension of surgeries at the Kingstown-based facility. In an effort to contain the spread, hospital authorities have placed all affected patients into isolation, sources say.
According to the information received, the situation has reportedly reached a “dire state,” necessitating international intervention. Infectious disease specialists from the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) arrived in the country and were on-site at the hospital over the past weekend to assist with the crisis.
While an official cause has not been established, sources indicate that the uptick in positive cases first emerged around mid-July. There is ongoing speculation regarding whether the rise in infections is linked to the influx of travelers during the recent carnival season, though this remains unconfirmed.
Local reports have also noted a parallel increase in cases of a deadly, drug-resistant fungus in the United States, as reported by the CDC. However, it is not yet clear if the infection at MCMH is related to the specific fungus being monitored abroad.
As of press time, the government has not issued an official release regarding the status of the hospital or the nature of the bacterium. Efforts to contact the Ministry of Health for clarification have so far been unsuccessful.
The St. Vincent Times continues to monitor this developing story and will provide updates as more information becomes available.
