Researchers warn against medical and dental tourism

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Medical researchers have warned people against medical tourism after it was revealed that a new ‘superbug’ has made its way to the UK.

Yesterday, it was reported that a superbug, which is highly resistant to antibiotics, has arrived in the UK. So far, thirty seven cases have been recorded but scientists say the bug has the potential to spread quickly. The superbug, which is known as NDM-1, could spread across the globe because currently there are no antibiotics that can treat it.

It is believed that the NDM-1 enzyme has come over from Pakistan and India and has been passed on by people who have been treated for medical and dental problems in Asia. In recent years, both medical and dental tourism have boomed, with thousands of people travelling abroad for treatment to avoid rising costs back in the UK.

David Livermore, from the Health Protection Agency said that the risk of a global endemic was high; Mr Livermore co-wrote a research project on the NDM-1 enzyme and concluded that the threat of the superbug was significant. The enzyme can jump to other forms of bacteria, including E-coli, causing serious illnesses; the situation is made more worrying because the superbug is resistant to almost all forms of antibiotic.

In light of the revelations, researchers have warned individuals against travelling to India and Pakistan for dental and medical treatment; however, as both countries attract tourists from many different countries, they believe the superbug will spread to many other nations in the near future. So far the enzyme has been tracked in India, Pakistan and Bangladesh and cases have been reported in the UK, Holland and the USA.

Join this Discussion

August 12th, 2010 at 08:47 PM
Sanjiv Mittal Says :

This is a propaganda aimed at harming the booming economy of India. This bug can emanate anywhere, why point fingers at India ? Has anyone seen any reports of this bug affecting an Indian patient.

August 13th, 2010 at 08:47 PM
Caroll Says :

This “Super” bug, is anotehr “Super” hoax! Just like the AH1N1. Just another way to control us!