UK - Two babies die after E.coli outbreak at Swansea hospital

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Two babies have died of an E.coli infection, health officials confirmed today.

Both cases are under investigation at Singleton Hospital, Swansea, south Wales.

One of the babies was "very premature" and died in hospital.

The second case involved a baby who died in the community but whose mother is suspected of contracting the infection at the hospital.

Abertawe Bro Morgannwg (ABM) University Health Board runs Singleton Hospital.​

It is investigating both cases of ESBL E.coli cross-infection in the hospital's maternity/neonatal unit, supported by Public Health Wales.​

Health chiefs at the hospital stressed today that ESBL E.coli is not the same as E.coli O157 which causes food poisoning.​

In most people ESBL E.coli does not cause harm but in vulnerable individuals it can cause serious infections.​

Read more: http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/top-st...ansea-hospital-115875-23581160/#ixzz1eUB6DKYd​

 

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Re: UK - Two babies die after E.coli outbreak at Swansea hospital

E.coli concerns for third baby

A third baby at a hospital where two babies died in an E.coli outbreak is suspected of having the potentially fatal infection.

The latest case is a baby who is carrying the bacteria without any signs of infection, health chiefs confirmed.

The maternity unit at Singleton Hospital, in Swansea, South Wales, continues to be restricted to full-term babies following the deaths. Hopes that it could reopen in full to all pregnancies have been put on hold.

"A third case of ESBL E.coli cross-infection is unfortunately suspected at the maternity/neonatal unit at Singleton Hospital," a spokeswoman said.
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An investigation into how the E.coli bug was transmitted is continuing. It is looking at a total of five ESBL E.coli infections, three among adults. Of the five cases three were contracted outside the hospital. An independent investigation, reviewing the hospital's response to the outbreak, is to be carried out by Healthcare Inspectorate Wales.

A helpline number for mothers-to-be who have queries or concerns is: 07747615627. There is also a free phone number: 0800 952 0090.

Full text:
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[Gert van der Hoek]

Re: UK - Two babies die after E.coli outbreak at Swansea hospital

29 November 2011

Mother's E. coli 'not from Singleton Hospital, Swansea'

A mother suspected to have contracted an E. coli strain at a maternity unit where two premature babies have died did not pick up the bug at the hospital, say health chiefs.

Her case was initially one of two investigated at Singleton Hospital's maternity and neonatal unit.

Tests now show the mother was carrying a different ESBL E. coli sub-type.

The other case was a premature baby who died after contracting the strain at the unit.

Abertawe Bro Morgannwg (ABM) University Health Board, which runs the hospital, said a second baby who died at the unit had contracted ESBL E. coli elsewhere.

ABM announced on Friday a third baby had tested positive but showed no symptoms.

Tests are under way to see if that baby has the same sub-type as the cross-infection, or whether it is unconnected.

What is ESBL E. coli?

ESBL E. coli is not the same as the E. coli O157 which causes food poisoning

ESBL stands for Extended Spectrum Beta Lactamase

ESBL E. coli is most often found in the gastrointestinal tract but may cause urinary tract infections

ESBL E. coli is resistant to commonly-used antibiotics such as penicillin, but can be treated

In most people ESBL E. coli does not cause harm but in vulnerable individuals it can cause serious infections

Source: ABM health board

Read more - BBCnews