These results suggest that the root cause is contamination in the production line during a period in 2022. These bacteria are resistant to various, but not all, antibiotics (produce carbapenemase).

The Danish investigation confirmed contamination of seven production batches of Dicillin but one of these was in the distribution in Iceland. Other production batches distributed in Iceland are also being investigated. At this time only one individual has been identified in Iceland as a carrier of this particular bacterial strain following the intake of Staklox last year. All cases of carbapenemase-producing bacteria are reported to the Chief Epidemiologist in Iceland.

In 2019 the Chief Epidemiologist published guidelines on screening, contact tracing, and infection control measures for antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) bacteria in healthcare facilities. The purpose of the guidelines is to coordinate policies in health care, including who should be screened and what kind of measures should be introduced upon detection of AMR bacteria.

Temporary measures are now in preparation to add AMR screening at hospital admission for individuals who took Staklox during a defined period in 2022. Further measures will depend on the outcome of this screening.

Links for previous press releases and relevant websites:

• The Chief Epidemiologist in Iceland

• The Icelandic Medicines Agency

• The Danish Medicines Agency:

  • https://laegemiddelstyrelsen.dk/da/

  • https://laegemiddelstyrelsen.dk/da/nyheder/2023/kilden-til-forurening-af-dicillin-kapsler-er-fundet-med-stoerst-mulig-sandsynlighed/

The Chief Epidemiologist