An outbreak of a drug-resistant germ has ended at Sault Area Hospital‘s Complex Care unit in Sault Ste. Marie. The hospital and Algoma Public Health declared the outbreak over on July 23, 2026.
The MRSA outbreak was first confirmed on July 2 on the 2C unit, which cares for patients needing post-acute complex continuing care. MRSA stands for Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus. It is a bacterium that resists common antibiotics and spreads through skin contact or contaminated medical equipment. Hospital patients with weakened immune systems are at higher risk.
During the outbreak, the hospital limited visitors to essential caregivers. Those entering affected rooms had to wear personal protective equipment (PPE). Standard visiting rules are now back in effect, and the unit has returned to normal operations.
Sault Area Hospital thanked staff, doctors, its Infection Prevention and Control team, and the Environmental Services crew for their work. It also acknowledged the cooperation of patients and families. The hospital worked with Algoma Public Health to manage the situation under provincial guidelines.
This recent outbreak followed earlier infection challenges at the hospital, including COVID-19 cases on the same unit. Interim President and CEO Greg Zambusi oversaw the hospital’s response. A new president and CEO, Murray Doucette, will start in September.
