Two babies die after E.coli infection

23rd November 2011 - Two babies in South Wales have died of a rare E.coli infection which is resistant to most antibiotics. One of the babies was very premature and contracted ESBL E.coli in the maternity unit at Singleton Hospital in Swansea. As a precaution the local health authority has temporarily restricted the neonatal unit to only admit babies of 36-weeks gestation and over.  The second, very young, baby to die contracted the infection outside the hospital.

ESBL E. coli does not cause harm in most people but in vulnerable individuals it can cause serious infections. It is not the same as E.coli O157 which causes food poisoning.

Investigation

Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University Health Board, supported by Public Health Wales, is investigating two cases of ESBL E. coli cross infection in  the maternity/neonatal unit at Singleton Hospital. One case concerns the premature baby who died, the second is of a mother who tested positive to ESBL E.coli but who has not shown any symptoms and has not required treatment. It's suspected that she also contracted ESBL E.coli within the hospital, but this can only be confirmed in test results which are expected later this week.

The two hospital cases of ESBL E. coli transmission currently under investigation are linked to three other confirmed cases of ESBL E. coli where the infection was contracted outside hospital.

In a statement Dr Bruce Ferguson, Medical Director, ABM University Health Board said: "This is a very complex ongoing investigation and we are unable to give any further details at this stage to safeguard patient confidentiality. We will, however, be providing appropriate updates as soon as possible."

Expectant mothers

Extra precautions have been taken but Dr Ferguson believes the two cases are isolated incidents which have been contained. He says there is no evidence of the infection spreading further: "Checks have been taken of patients, equipment and areas in the maternity/neonatal unit and no evidence of ESBL E.coli has been found.

"We would like to reassure expectant mothers due to give birth in Singleton Hospital that the maternity unit is open as usual for full-term births. However, any mothers-to-be who have concerns or questions should speak to their community midwife in the first place. In addition a helpline has also been set up: 07747615627.