One of the 10 patients who contracted C. difficile at Royal Inland Hospital in Kamloops has died, the Interior Health Authority has confirmed.
Spokesperson Darshan Lindsay said although the patient did have C. difficile, the death is believed to be related to other health issues.
The hospital has been dealing with an outbreak of the gastro intestinal infection and is working to reduce the risk of it spreading, according to Interior Heath.
All the affected patients are being quarantined in one area and 14 surgeries have been postponed to limit their movement through the hospital.
The health authority said they are monitoring the situation closely and have heightened cleaning systems in place.
Hundreds of C. difficile cases are reported every year across Canada. The bacterium causes mild to severe diarrhea and intestinal conditions. For healthy people, C. difficile does not pose a health risk, however those on antibiotics, undergoing chemotherapy and/or taking medication to reduce stomach acid can be at risk.
While the risk to the public remains minimal, hospital visitors are encouraged to be diligent about hand washing and not to use patient washroom facilities.
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