GUAGUA — The Diosdado Macapagal Memorial District Hospital resumed normal operations Wednesday after it had implemented precautionary measures to clean and disinfect the hospital for possible spread of the pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria.
Committee on Health Board Member Monina Laus said that last September 6, a burned patient was identified to have acquired the bacteria.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a common cause of hospital-acquired infections and it usually takes advantage of the weakened immune system of an ill person.
The bacteria can cause disease in animals, including humans. Although harmful, it can be cured by antibiotics.
Dr. Eddie Ponio of the Diosdado Macapagal Memorial District Hospital said the patient was infected due to weak immune system. The bacterium often enters through open wounds in humans.
As precautionary measure, the district hospital closed its Neo-Natal Intensive Care and Operating Room units to give way for the 7- to 10-day cleaning and disinfection.
The Emergency Room and Out-Patient Department of the hospital, however, still remained open to serve patients.
As of 8:00 a.m. Wednesday, Laus said the hospital has resumed normal operations.
