Deadly Bacteria and Fungus Outbreak at Rambam Hospital Prompts Urgent Measures to Control Infections

An outbreak of highly resistant bacteria and a dangerous fungus was discovered in several wards of the Rambam Hospital, prompting urgent measures to be taken by the Haifa Medical Center to control the infections. The bacteria identified were Acinetobacter and Klebsiella, while the fungus was of the Candida auris type. While these bacteria do not pose a threat to healthy individuals, they can cause life-threatening complications in patients with weakened immune systems.

In response to the outbreak, the hospital’s director, Prof. Mickey Halbertal, instructed medical teams to work with full shielding when moving between patients in the affected wards. Additionally, new patients will not be admitted until the outbreak is under control. Families of patients visiting the wards were also briefed on protective measures and the importance of strict hand hygiene.

Acinetobacter is considered one of the most dangerous bacteria by the World Health Organization (WHO), known for causing blood infections, lung infections, catheter-related infections, and wound infections. Infections with this bacterium can be fatal, with mortality rates as high as 80% in affected individuals. Klebsiella is also a highly resistant bacterium that poses a significant threat to hospital patients. It is known to cause severe infections in the lungs, urinary system, respiratory tract