A SUPERBUG has put the Countess of Chester Hospital on high alert as it battles to stop NDM-1 from infecting its patients.

The new superbug is an enzyme found inside various bacteria, including E. coli.

It is resistant to most current forms of antibiotics, and the Department of Health last year issued a National Resistance Alert on fears the bug could spread across UK hospitals.

Although only 50 cases have been detected in the UK so far, there have been concerns the enzyme could produce dangerous infections which could spread rapidly.

The majority of cases detected in the UK have been from patients who had previously spent time in India or Pakistan.

Professor John Croall, consultant microbiologist at the Countess of Chester Hospital, said: “We have never found this NDM-1 strain at the Countess or in the local community and there are no cases.

“However, we are still working closely with the Health Protection Agency (HPA) on this issue.

“The HPA alerted the NHS in January and July last year to be vigilant about these bacteria and take appropriate action where necessary.

“As always, infection control measures are in place at the Countess to prevent any potential spread and we will continue to be vigilant when treating any patients who have travelled abroad and may be at risk of infection.”

The Health Protection Agency has said it will be monitoring the situation and will check if there is sufficient need for further action in the future.