TWO premature tots have died and 16 others infected in a superbug outbreak at a hospital’s intensive care baby unit.
The SUN
By EMMA MORTON, Health Editor and JOHN TROUP
25 Oct 2008Last night the neo-natal centre was shut to fresh newborns. Visitors were barred except for parents of babies there. Health chiefs confirmed a deadly drug-resistant strain of E.coli — often spread through poor hygiene — hit three weeks ago at Bedfordshire’s Luton and Dunstable Hospital.T he Health Protection Agency was investigating. Hospital bosses stressed the two babies who died were already fighting for life and that E.coli did not directly kill them. But a spokesman admitted: “It’s likely to have contributed to the deaths.” The hospital was given a warning about hygiene three months ago.
Two of nine premature infants to get the bug were ill but responding to treatment. Seven others have the bacteria in their gut. The hospital insisted the outbreak was “under control”.
