Tourists returning home with secret superbugs

Tourists returning home with secret superbugs
By admin


Overseas travellers are returning to Australia oblivious to a superbug time bomb lurking in their gut.

The bugs could be living "happily and safely" in balance with their good bacteria, says infections expert Professor Mary-Louise McLaws of the University of New South Wales.

But things can go horribly wrong if the traveller takes antibiotics within six months of returning home.

That could upset the balance and allow the superbugs to spread, causing a dangerous infection that needs treatment with intravenous antibiotics, says Prof McLaws, who voiced her concerns after the World Health Organisation declared an international superbug emergency on Thursday.

She says Australians visiting various regions, including Europe, pick up superbugs from food or from touch.

They might not become ill and might see the doctor about something else months after their return.

"If they take an antibiotic within six months it could kill the good bacteria in their gut and allow the resistant bacteria to spread.

"This means it is essential for ill people to tell their Australian GP where they have been.

"It is also a good idea for doctors to start asking patients if they have been overseas.

"The doctor might decide to postpone antibiotic treatment or give an antibiotic that they know will work," Prof McLaws says.

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