Christchurch Hospital has closed a ward and boosted infection control after finding a superbug in five patients.
Canterbury District Health Board says it's identified MRSA in five patients in a surgical ward.
MRSA is a type of staphylococcus aureus bacteria that's become resistant to many of the antibiotics commonly used to treat infections.
Tests have shown the bacteria has not spread to other patients or staff.
The interim general manager of the medical and surgical division, Ruth Barclay, says the surgical ward where the bug was discovered should reopen by Friday.
Mrs Barclay says none of the patients are unwell from the bug.
She says it's likely MRSA came into the hospital in the nose or on the skin of a patient.
