HAMILTON, Ont. – One person has died following a C. difficile outbreak at St. Joseph’s Healthcare in Hamilton, Ont.

The Hamilton Public Health Department declared a C. difficile outbreak at Charlton Campus — the hospital’s main campus — with 11 in-patient cases reported and an additional seven outpatients being treated.

The hospital is investigating whether the person died from the bacteria or if it was a contributing factor to a prior illness.

St. Joseph’s Healthcare said it is working at full capacity to reduce transmission of infectious diseases at the hospital.

Some measures include strict adherence to hygiene and sterilization, placing affected patients in isolation rooms which are double-cleaned daily and ensuring proper protective equipment is worn.

C. difficile is a bacteria that causes diarrhea and is one of the most common infections in hospitals and long-term care facilities.