‘Superbug’ linked to deaths at hospital
LOS ANGELES – UCLA says seven people were infected and nearly 200 exposed to a potentially deadly, drug-resistant “superbug” on contaminated medical instruments and the bacteria may have contributed to two deaths.
Other outbreaks caused by CRE bacteria have been reported around the country. Some of the bacteria are resistant to most antibiotics, and experts say they can contribute to death in up to half of those infected.
UCLA said Wednesday that a total of 179 patients may have been infected during endoscopic procedures at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center between October and January.
UCLA says the patients were examined with endoscopes that were sterilized according to manufacturers’ directions.
Greece drops demand on loan bailout
ATHENS, Greece – Greece heads to another round of negotiations Friday after dropping key demands for a bailout settlement, but still faced stiff opposition from lead lender Germany, which criticized Athens’ latest proposals as a “Trojan horse” designed to dodge its commitments.
Eurozone finance ministers agreed to hold their third meeting on the Greek debt crisis in just over a week after Athens formally requested a six-month extension of loan agreements with rescue creditors that expire this month.
Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras’ new left-wing government said it would honor debt obligations and agree to continued supervision from bailout lenders and the European Central Bank.
Associated Press
