Virus kills dozens - Montreal and Calgary [View All]

[dArKeR]

Montreal — A virulent infection has killed dozens of people in Montreal and Calgary, it was announced Friday.

Local hospital officials in Montreal said that at least three dozen people had died of the virus. The Canadian Medical Association Journal said the toll could be as high as 89, including 10 in Calgary.

The infection, Clostridium difficile, is the most common cause of infectious diarrhea in the industrialized world, and research suggests that 20 per cent of people who contract it get it from taking antibiotics.

Dr. Francoise Chagnon, director of professional services at the McGill University Health Centre in Montreal, said that she stands by the hospital's decision not to alert the public immediately but feels now that it is time for Canadians to be notified.

http://theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20040604.wviru0604/BNStory/National/