Safety Update

Safety Update: What is NDM-1?

To some, the H1N1 epidemic is already a distant memory. But epidemics are a constant hazard which we must be prepared for, both at home and in the workplace. The latest threat is a drug-resistant superbug known as NDM-1, or the New Delhi metallo-beta-lactamase enzyme.  NDM-1, is one of the most difficult superbugs to treat.  Since it's detection, cases of NDM-1 have been diagnosed throughout the world, including Alberta and British Columbia.

The Threat
NDM-1 is an enzyme that can spread between bacteria making germs impervious to many antibiotics.  The two types of bacteria that commonly host NDM-1 have been Klebsiella Pneumonia and E.Coli, both of which can cause urinary tract infections and blood poisoning. Experts are concerned with the possibility that the enzyme could spread to additional, more dangerous infections, and that there are limited treatment options available.   Additionally, there are few new antibiotics being developed by pharmaceutical companies, none of which are specifically affective at treating NDM-1.

Symptoms
Since NDM-1 originates from E.Coli and Klebsiella, the symptoms will be associated with those bacteria.  The symptoms can include, but not limited to, diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, urinary tract infections, high fever, pneumonia and respiratory infections. 

Testing and Prevention
To prevent the spread of infectious disease, especially as we enter into flu season this fall, remember to consistently apply the following precautionary measures:

• Wash your hands often with hot soapy water and dry them well with a clean dry towel,
• Stay home if you are ill,
• Keep surfaces and items clean and disinfected; and
• Try to stay away from antibiotics if they are not needed

Doctors recommend that individuals who receive medical procedures in India be tested for the multi-resistant bacteria before receiving care in their home country hospitals.

Occupational Health and Safety Application
As part of your OHS program it is important to prevent the spread of infectious disease within the workplace through proper administrative control procedures. Disseminate information about infectious disease and prevention to employees and verify that employees have read and understood the information. 

Ensure that business continuity and pandemic planning strategies are in place.  These strategies should identify rigorous emergency response and workforce plans to deal with an outbreak of infectious disease.

For more information on business continuity and pandemic planning see the CCOHS website: http://www.ccohs.ca/pandemic/pdf/Business_continuity.pdf

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