This week Oxford Mail health reporter Amanda Williams is shining a spotlight on the health of Oxfordshire. Her investigation comes after Dr Jonathan McWilliam, the county’s health director, released his annual health report profiling his concerns for the well-being of the county Killer infections have steadily declined across Oxfordshire over the past four years.

But patients, doctors and hospital staff must remain vigilant if they want to win the battle, it has been warned.

The threat of super-bugs such as MRSA, and Clostridium difficile, makes up the last of the six priorities for Oxfordshire, outlined by county health director Jonathan McWilliam, inset.

He released his annual health report last week, and every day this week the Oxford Mail has been taking a detailed look at the health of the county.

Dr McWilliam said: “Over the last four years, most of the major killer infectious diseases have been in decline across Oxfordshire.

“However, these diseases remain a threat but their impact can be reduced further by good surveillance and information, early identification and swift action basic cleanliness, hand washing and good food hygiene.”

According to Dr McWilliam, MRSA and Clostridium difficile (C.diff) remain an important cause of sickness and death, both in hospitals and in the community.

MRSA is a bacterium found commonly on the skin, but if it gains entry into the blood stream, it can cause blood poisoning.

In 2002 there were 120 cases of MRSA across Oxfordshire, rising to 130 in 2003. But last year, that figure had reduced to just 20.

The C.diff rates have also dropped significantly.

C.diff is a bacterium that causes mild to severe diarrhoea which is potentially life-threatening, especially among the elderly and infirm.

In just two years the number of cases has dropped from well over 800 to little over 300 cases a year.

Dr McWilliam said: “This is an impressive achievement for healthcare in Oxfordshire.

“Success has been due to improved detection, improved cleanliness, improved clinical procedures, focused management action and strict surveillance.”

But he added: “This is a trend that can quickly be reversed, and it is imperative that we remain vigilant to the threats posed by new diseases emerging, old diseases developing resistance to treatment and people’s behaviour becoming more risky.

“Killer communicable diseases are well managed in Oxfordshire but remain an ever-present threat.

“Constant vigilance is required and careful management will give us the best chance to keep these infections at bay.

“This topic must always remain a top priority in order to protect the public health of Oxfordshire.”