Third death in Edinburgh C. difficile outbreak

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-edinburgh-east-fife-30580273

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A third person involved in a cluster of cases of C. difficile at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh has died.

NHS Lothian said the patient had the infection but was very unwell due to another illness for which they were being treated.

Fourteen people were identified as having C. difficile in November and seven remain in hospital.

Investigations are continuing into the cluster, but no new cases have been identified.

Forensic samples

Melanie Johnson, executive nurse director, NHS Lothian, said: "I would like to express my sincere condolences to the family of the patient who died.

"Investigations are ongoing to establish if there is a link between the cases, but we don't expect to have the results of forensic samples until January, which is a normal timescale for this infection.

"In the meantime, infection control measures have been enhanced and will remain in place. No new cases have been identified.

"If a cluster emerges, we always act as if cases are linked and implement action to prevent cross transmission.

"Our robust surveillance procedures meant that we were able to identify these cases quickly and take the appropriate action."