IGMH Confirms Drug-Resistant Bacteria in NICU, Sends Infants Abroad for Treatment

Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH) has confirmed an outbreak of multi-drug-resistant bacteria in its Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), affecting five infants. The first case was detected in a baby born at 28 weeks and admitted on March 27, who tested positive for Burkholderia cepacia.

Subsequent tests revealed the same infection in four other babies, all on ventilators. Three of them were premature and one full-term. While all are currently receiving targeted antibiotic therapy, arrangements are being made to send those needing advanced treatment abroad.
IGMH stated that strict infection control protocols have been put in place, and the infected babies have been isolated. The hospital also confirmed that no new cases have been reported since April 15, and the outbreak is considered contained.

Since the detection of the bacteria, a total of 84 infants have received care in the NICU. Of the 10 currently admitted, five are infected.