Officials investigate infections at Minn. hospital

Officials investigate infections at Minn. hospital

ST. CLOUD, Minn. (AP) -- A nurse has been suspended pending a criminal investigation into a series of unusual bacterial infections among patients at St. Cloud Hospital.
The infections have been found in 23 patients, and WJON-AM reports that hospital officials fear there could be more.

Hospital spokeswoman Jeanine Nistler tells the St. Cloud Times the nurse is suspected of introducing the infection while diverting pain-killing medication for personal use.
The preliminary investigation focuses on patients who were hospitalized on one unit from last October through early March.

The hospital says there is no evidence that blood-borne pathogens such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C or HIV may have been transmitted.

Patients who were infected by the unusual bacteria have been notified
The hospital is working with the Minnesota Department of Health to investigate the infections.