A DROP in cases of killer bug MRSA at local hospitals is being treated with caution. The figures, published by the Department of Health, show a decrease in the number of cases in the East and North Herts NHS Trust area. From April to September 2005 ther

A DROP in cases of killer bug MRSA at local hospitals is being treated with caution.

The figures, published by the Department of Health, show a decrease in the number of cases in the East and North Herts NHS Trust area.

From April to September 2005 there were 17 recorded MRSA (Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus) infections throughout the Trust compared to 25 in the same period in 2004.

In 2001 between April and September there were 42 cases, compared to 47 in 2002 and 24 in 2003.

The Trust runs Lister Hospital in Stevenage, QEII in Welwyn Garden City and Hertford County Hospital.

Trust spokesman Peter Gibson said the Trust is cautiously optimistic: "We welcome the results and there has been steady progress but there is still a way to go."

He went on to say MRSA cases often go up in October and therefore these figures do not show this seasonal change.

Staff and patients at the three hospitals have been encouraged to clean their hands more regularly and there has been an increase in alcohol hand wash dispensers on the wards.

The Trust also has access to 24-hour advice on how to handle MRSA and they also now screen high risk patients.

Mr Gibson said MRSA is a common bug which is only a danger if it gets into the bloodstream.