Flea infestation hits new maternity unit

A flea problem at Middlemore Hospital's new $7 million maternity unit is forcing some of its midwives to wear anti-flea ankle bracelets.

A spokeswoman for the hospital said three midwives have been bitten by fleas brought in by patients. The pests are thought to have come in on the patients' blankets or clothes.

The unit can't be fumigated because of potential harm to the babies.

Fleas are common in hospitals and some offices as a result of being brought in by staff or visitors. Carpeting can exacerbate the problem - as was the case with repeated infestations in Middlemore's old maternity ward.

An infestation in July led hospital management to offer anti-flea bracelets.