Two babies killed by bug at hospital

TWO babies died at the Thelle Mogoerane Hospital, in Ekurhuleni after the outbreak of an antibiotic-resistant bacteria that causes deadly pneumonia, the Gauteng Health Department said.

The department said the klebsiella pneumonia outbreak happened in July, affecting several babies in the neonatal ward. Hospital employees held protests demanding that the department address overcrowding of babies in the neonatal ward. Health spokesperson Lesemang Matuka said head of department Mkhululi Lukhele visited the hospital following the outbreak.

“During the visit, Professor Lukhele confirmed that the hospital’s neonatal unit identified seven cases of klebsiella pneumonia outbreak in July 2018, which sadly resulted in the deaths of two babies. Contrary to what has been reported in the media, there were five babies that were being treated, and out of the five, one of the baby’s results was negative,” Matuka said.

“Samples were taken and have been sent to the laboratory to establish the source of the outbreak. The hospital has since taken proactive measures by strengthening infection prevention and control, and closely monitoring the unit.”

All babies were screened to prevent further infections. “The district specialist and head office were called in for support. The department is planning to form a provincial task team led by neonatologists to continuously look at the measures to prevent possible future infections in all our facilities,” said Lukhele.

“Thelle Mogoerane Hospital, like many other health facilities in the province, faces a challenge of ever-increasing demand for services. The 61-bedded neonatal unit often admits close to 90 patients. While the management is looking at improving the hospital infrastructure, it is doing its best to serve patients with honour and dignity.” – African News Agency (ANA)