Rome
–
Officials said two premature babies were investigated after they died from one another within a few hours between August 12 and 13, after two premature babies died from one another.
All babies were born three weeks ago – one at the 23rd week of pregnancy and the other at the 27th week of pregnancy, was diagnosed as being caused by the germ Serratia Marcescens, a common microorganism that is only dangerous to patients with health conditions. The newborns weigh about 700 grams (1.54 pounds) respectively.
Josef Widmann, medical director of the South Tyrolean Health Authority, said the bacteria were linked to dishwashing soap used in hospitals. All industrial dishwashing soap used in the Bolzano hospital system has been recalled, he said in a press conference Thursday.
“Apart from the serious problems caused by extreme premature birth, both children were diagnosed with infection by Serratia Marcescens “It exists in the environment on water, soil, plants, animals and humans, etc., and it exists in the environment. However, for very premature babies, infection can be fatal.”
Dr. Monika Zaebisch, the hospital’s medical director, said the facility had stopped receiving high-risk premature babies in its neonatal ward during the investigation. The hospital is transferring 10 high-risk babies to the same ward to ensure they are not exposed to any contaminated material.
“At Burzano Hospital, we have taken all precautions to prevent the spread of bacteria,” Zaebisch said on Thursday. “Ward staff strictly adhere to sanitation measures. Unfortunately, both cases cannot be prevented. On August 12, we decided not to accept any further high-risk births. We have agreed with the Trento Hospital that they will accept premature births Therefore, no children are at risk. ”
Hospital director Pierpaolo Bertoli said that when they began to show symptoms, both babies were found to have infection.
“Unfortunately, the baby later developed sepsis, which later turned out to be fatal,” he said Thursday. “The existence of this bacteria is not the only one. Because it constantly poses a risk to the neonatal intensive care unit, it is because of the type of bacteria, but because of the particular vulnerability of these small patients due to their immature immune system. ”
The National Anti-corruption Department of Carabinieri Military Police (NAS) is investigating the matter, and the Bolzano Prosecutor's Office will determine whether to order an autopsy for the baby to determine whether there is a need for charges of malfeasance or manslaughter.
The tragedy happened weeks after three people died in the southern part of the country from suspected botox poisoning.