Bacterial Outbreak in Israeli NICU Claims Life of Infant, Prompts Examination
Haifa, Israel – A bacterial infection in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at Rambam Health Care Campus in Haifa has tragically resulted in the death of one infant, with three others currently hospitalized and in stable condition.The hospital announced the outbreak Saturday night, initiating a thorough investigation to determine the source of the infection and prevent further cases.
The infant who died was born just last week, and the infection was discovered post-mortem. Rambam officials confirmed the three remaining affected infants are receiving antibiotic treatment and are currently stable.
In response to the outbreak, Rambam has temporarily suspended admissions of new premature babies to the NICU, citing both the infection and a high patient load. Medical staff, working alongside the hospital’s infection prevention team, are diligently working to pinpoint the origin of the bacteria.
“We are committed to clarity with parents and are working tirelessly to identify the source of this outbreak and ensure the safety of all our patients,” a hospital spokesperson stated.
Following the initial revelation, all infants within the NICU were screened, leading to the identification of three additional cases. These infants are also receiving preventative treatment, and their conditions are reported as stable. The specific type of bacteria responsible for the outbreak is currently being analyzed.
Rambam has reported the incident to both Israel’s national infection prevention unit and the Health Ministry. Despite operating one of the country’s largest NICUs, the hospital assures the public that the outbreak is contained within the unit and poses no risk to patients in other wards.
The Health Ministry’s most recent infection-control report ranked Rambam second among major hospitals in Israel, highlighting the institution’s generally high standards of hygiene and patient safety. This incident will undoubtedly prompt a review of protocols and procedures within the NICU to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
this is a developing story. World-Today-News.com will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.
keywords: Bacterial Infection, NICU, Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa, Israel, Infant Death, Premature Babies, Health Ministry, Infection Control, Outbreak, Neonatal Intensive Care.
