There has been an outbreak of a bacterial infection at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.
Confirmation was made by the North West Regional Health Authority.
The NWRHA said that from April 4th to April 7th, the staff at the NICU observed a rapid deterioration in the clinical status of several neonates.
They noted, “Upon recognizing the severity of the situation, the medical team immediately initiated infectious diseases and controls protocols for the treatment for late-onset neonatal sepsis, a condition known for its rapid onset and potentially devastating consequences.”
“In response to this heartbreaking situation, the NICU was immediately closed to new admissions to prevent further transmission of the infection and healthy babies discharged.”
“Rigorous sanitization and sterilization measures were implemented with external contractors involving clinical and non-clinical areas. Internal testing was done by NWRHA’s microbiology lab for potential sources. Additionally, NWRHA has requested external support from CARIRI for environmental testing.”
The report said that since April 7th, no new infection has been reported, indicating the effectiveness of these internal measures in halting the spread of the bacteria.
“It is with profound sadness that the NWRHA confirms that during this time, some of the very premature neonatal babies at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of the Port of Spain General Hospital succumbed to the infection.”
Laboratory investigations revealed the presence of three different organisms – Serratia marcesens, ESBL Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Klebsiella aerogenes – all known to pose significant risks to vulnerable neonates. Despite administering high-dose antibiotics and providing advanced and intensive cardio-respiratory support, the infection claimed the lives of some of these preterm babies, all weighing under 1500 grams and less than 32 weeks gestational age.
Throughout this challenging ordeal senior doctors were present providing care to the babies.
Parents were regularly updated of their conditions. All parents have been referred to the Medical Social Work Department for bereavement counseling.
NWRHA sends deepest condolences to the families who are dealing with this tragic loss.