The north wing of the South Muskoka Memorial Hospital (SMMH) in Bracebridge has three confirmed cases of Clostridioides difficile. Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare (MAHC) oversees the hospital, and is warning the public about the bacterium that can cause diarrhea and inflammation of the bowel. C. difficile spreads when spores from contaminated hands, surfaces or equipment enter the mouth. These spores can survive in the environment for extended periods, making thorough cleaning and proper hygiene essential. MAHC has implemented enhanced infection prevention and control measures on the affected unit, including personal protective equipment (PPE), extensive cleaning and disinfection using products effective against C. difficile spores. Patients and visitors to the affected unit are asked to follow all posted precautions and instructions from hospital staff.
