Baby ward hit by fatal infection

February 14, 2008

The Press Association*

A Greater Manchester hospital has temporarily closed its neo-natal

unit after a baby died and another suffered a potentially fatal

infection.

A premature baby developed an infection from aspergillus, a common

airborne fungus, and died in December at Salford Royal Hospital.

A second pre-term baby tested positive for skin aspergillus last

week.

The hospital said it had closed the ward as a precaution to

establish any " common contributory factors " .

ASPERGILLUS

A common airborne fungus

First identified in the 18th Century

Gets into the body through a cut or wound

Treated with antifungal drugs

Q & A: Aspergillus

The aspergillus fungus is very common and can be found in homes and

buildings everywhere, but can cause infections.

It is particularly dangerous to those with weakened immune systems.

Dr , senior consultant neonatologist, said: " Pre-

term babies are more susceptible to developing infections because of

their immaturity and we continue to do all that we can to reduce

these.

" When a second infection occurred within two months of the first, we

took further advice and are embarking upon a range of investigations

and precautionary measures to ascertain whether there are any common

contributory factors.

" As a temporary measure, we have closed the unit to admissions of

pre-term babies and are currently monitoring the situation closely. "

Recommended Posts