10 Jan 2018

Princess Marina Hospital has announced that there is an outbreak of Klebsiella at its neonatal unit (premature unit) where the first five cases were recorded at the end of December 2017.

According to a press release from the hospital, so far they have recorded 10 cases.

Seven babies are stable and have been isolated, while three are in Neonatal ICU.

The hospital has set up teams to eradicate the condition with immediate effect through robust infection control measures such as fumigating the cubicles, strengthening hand hygiene among staff members and nursing mothers.

PMH has also resolved that all stable neonates from referring health facilities will be redirected to nearby hospitals with a pediatrician such as Deborah Retief Memorial, Scottish Livingstone, Athlone and Seventh Day Adventist hospitals.

The general public is informed that the infected babies are on treatment.

All the required medication to treat the infection is available, while the situation is currently being monitored.

It says parents of the infected babies have been informed of their conditions.

Klebsiella infections refers to several different types of healthcare-associated infections that are all caused by the Klebsiella bacteria, including pneumonia, bloodstream infections, wound or surgical site infections, and meningitis.

Healthy people usually do not get Klebsiella infections.

The release further says signs and symptoms of Klebsiella includes fevers and chills, flu-like symptoms, cough which may produce mucus that is yellow or green or bloody and breathing issues. ENDS