Cases of a new, potentially deadly, superbug have been reported at Medway Maritime Hospital.

Two cases of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, commonly called Steno, were recorded at the hospital between April, 2007, and March, 2008.

Steno, which statistically kills one in three people it infects, has been described by researchers as an emerging superbug.

It flourishes in most environments, particularly around taps and shower heads.

It can get into the body via catheters or ventilation tubes left in place for long periods of time.

There have been 1,000 cases nationally. If infected, patients can develop blood poisoning or, in some cases, pneumonia.

A spokesman for Medway NHS Foundation Trust said: “We are dedicated to combating hospital-acquired infections. In the last year we have cut MRSA infection rates by 56 per cent and C-difficile infection rates by 31 per cent, exceeding the Government target.

“Through a strict programme, we continue to promote high standards of infection prevention within the hospital to ensure rates are reduced further.

“We also have a dedicated infection prevention and control team which constantly develops and implements new policies and procedures.”