Bacterial outbreak at hospital linked to babies' deaths

Three dozen babies have been infected with a new strain of bacteria in Wellington Hospital's neonatal intensive care unit this year -- and three have subsequently died, Capital and Coast District Health Board said today.

The hospital revealed it had imposed urgent infection control measures while work was done to eradicate the new strain of Staphylococcus aureus.

About a third of all people in New Zealand carried Staph aureus without showing signs of infection, the health board said in a statement.

Last year, the hospital's lab staff identified a new strain of Staph aureus in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and began monitoring and testing for it.

Late last year, the number of infections began to increase and heightened infection control measures were put in place.

"These were initially effective, but in recent weeks this particular strain has replaced the other strains of Staph aureus found in the neonatal unit," hospital microbiologist Mark Jones said.

"We are now taking steps in a bid to eradicate this bacterium."

Very premature babies were vulnerable to infection, and 750 to 800 babies were treated in the Wellington NICU each year.

"In 2005 around three dozen babies in the NICU have contracted this new strain (of Staph aureus)," Dr Jones said.

"Most of these cases have been successfully treated with antibiotics. Sadly three of those babies have subsequently died."

The affected families had been informed of the link and the hospital extended its "deepest sympathies" to them.

Families with babies who had been discharged from the Wellington NICU had no need for concern, Dr Jones said.

"It is also important to note that this infection is limited to the NICU and is not present in other parts of the hospital," he said.

The unit had restricted the number of new admissions, introduced isolation areas, reduced visitors to parents only and was testing and treating all staff.

It is understood about 15 staff nurses have contracted the bug.

Dr Jones said all staff who tested positive for the new strain of Staph aureus would be taken off clinical duties.

He said it was hoped the unit would be back in full use within a month or so.

He said that of the babies who arrived in the NICU each year, between 20 and 30 did not survive.

"Often infection is a contributing cause in these tragic deaths. This is true for all NICU units."

Staphylococcus bacteria are commonly found on the skin and in the noses of healthy people. They sometimes cause infection and are one of the most common causes of skin infections.

- NZPA