Malaysian woman with New Delhi superbug never travelled overseas

Kuala Lumpur, Oct 27 (ANI): A Malaysian woman has been detected with a superbug, which is resistant to antibiotics.

The 24-year-old has been detected with NDM-1 (New Delhi metallo-lactamase-1), although she has never travelled overseas.

It is the first known case in Malaysia.

"Fortunately, she is only a carrier and we were able to extract the bacteria from her body," the Star Online quoted Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai as saying.

"We are monitoring the patient closely to ensure the superbug is not transmitted to health workers and other patients," he said.

Liow said the superbug was not a threat to the patient and she was receiving regular attention at the hospital.

Asked how the patient contracted the bug, he said: "It can be anywhere, and can evolve in the body."

Liow reminded all health workers and doctors to abide by the guidelines and standard operating procedure in handling all patients to ensure the superbug did not spread in the country.

"Don't simply give antibiotics as the bug is immune to the drugs and will evolve," warned Liow.

He added that the superbug was only transmitted through direct contact like touching and through wounds, not through the air.

According to the United States Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, NDM-1 is an enzyme that destroys many commonly used antibiotics, rendering them ineffective. (ANI)