Bacteria at the NICU of Newark Hospital; Baby death under probation: DOH

NEWARK, NJ – The New Jersey Department of Health is investigating four cases of Acinetobacter baumannii in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at University Hospital Newark, officials said Thursday.

DOH officials said:

"The service was first informed of this bacterial infection on October 1, and two service teams are monitoring the situation closely.These teams, who were on the premises last week and this week, are ensuring that the protocols are in place. Infection control are monitored and monitor cases of infection.The ministry inspection revealed major deficiencies in infection control. "

According to the Ministry of Health, a premature baby with bacteria who had been treated at the University Hospital was transferred to another facility and died in late September, prior to notification by the Department of Health. problems occurred at the NICU.

"Due to other aggravating medical factors, the exact cause of death is still under investigation," say DOH officials.

The department has commissioned a directed correction plan that requires the university hospital to employ a full-time consultant, a certified infection control practitioner, who will report to the Ministry of Health on the immediate actions taken in the coming days .

DOH officials said they were also considering other steps that the agency may have to take in the coming days to "ensure patient safety".

The complete correction plan can be seen online here.

OFFICIAL CITY: NO RISK FOR NEWARK & # 39;

Shortly after the Newark Community Department of Health and Welfare, Mark Wade, issued a statement about the investigation on Thursday night, told city residents that the bacteria did not presented no risk to the local community.

Wade says:

"On Thursday, October 25, it was brought to our attention that a premature infant who had been treated at the University Hospital of Newark was carrying an Acinetobacter bacteria at the time of his death. Infant was suffering from various other medical conditions.Abinetobacter is a hospital-acquired infection without transmission in the community.Be reassured, this poses no risk to the community of Newark.Acinetobacter, the bacterium involved at the University Hospital , and the adenovirus, the virus to which several children have been exposed and died at the Wanaque Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, are different and unrelated.The virus and bacteria spread differently, but both can have adverse consequences for patients whose immune system is weakened. "

He continued:

"We understand that the New Jersey Department of Health communicates with university hospital officials and determines the cause of death.The investigation is still ongoing."

Wade concludes:

"We are concerned about the presence of Acinetobacter at the University Hospital." University hospital officials told us that they were working closely with the New Jersey Department of Health. to control Acinetobacter and use all the methods available to control any problems, Newark's Department of Health and Community Wellness will continue to monitor the situation closely … Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. "

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