The number of people sick with a superbug illness increased by 37% in the past year, according to a report by the Institute of Environmental Science & Research.
The number of cases of the MRSA superbug rose to 1042 - 288 more than in 2010 and an increase of 37%.
The ESR survey also indicates that MRSA may be more commonly picked up in the community than in hospitals and healthcare centres.
The Health Quality and Safety Commission says that basic but thorough hand washing is key to reducing the spread of the superbug.
