A premature baby dies of a bacterial infection at the New Jersey hospital, 4 other sick

NEWARK, New Jersey (WABC) –

A premature baby died of a bacterial infection in a New Jersey hospital, leading to the discovery of four more children who would be sick.

The state Department of Health has discovered four cases of Acinetobacter baumannii in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Newark University Hospital since October 1, following the death of the premature baby, end of September.

The infant had the bacteria and was transferred to another facility where he died.

Health officials said the exact cause of death was under investigation due to aggravating medical factors.

The department said it found major deficiencies in infection control at the hospital, and a correction plan was ordered.

Two department teams have been monitoring the situation closely, ensuring that infection control protocols are followed and tracking cases of infection.

"University Hospital takes patient safety, including infection control, very seriously," said a spokesman for University Hospital in a statement. "We communicate regularly with the Ministry of Health and continue to work closely with them to resolve this issue as quickly as possible."

The bacterium Acinetobacter baumannii can cause pneumonia or serious infections of the blood or wounds.

The cases are unrelated to the outbreak of adenovirus that infected 19 patients and killed seven children at the Wanaque Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation in Haskell, County Pbadaic.

Dr. Mark Wade, Director of Newark's Department of Health and Community Wellness, released the following statement:

On Thursday, October 25th, it was brought to our attention that a premature baby taken care of at Newark University Hospital was carrying an Acinetobacter bacteria at the time of his death. Unfortunately, the infant had a variety of other complex medical conditions. Acinetobacter is an infection contracted in the hospital, without transmission in the community. Rest badured, this poses no risk for the Newark community. Acinetobacter, the bacterium involved in the University Hospital, and the adenovirus, the virus to which many children have been exposed and perished from the Wanaque Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, are different and unrelated. The virus and bacteria spread differently, but both can have negative consequences for patients whose immune systems are weakened.

We understand that the New Jersey Department of Health communicates with University Hospital officials and determines the cause of death. It's still an ongoing investigation.

We are concerned about the presence of Acinetobacter at the University Hospital. The University Hospital officials told us that they were working closely with the New Jersey Department of Health to control Acinetobacter and were using all available methods to control any potential problems. The Newark Community Department of Health and Wellness will continue to monitor the situation closely.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.

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