Babies In Karitane Die From Infection

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29384, 10 December 1960, Page 12

Babies In Karitane Die From Infection

(New Zealand Press Association) WELLINGTON, December 9. An unidentified staphylococcal infection caused the deaths of three babies at Karitane Hospital, Wellington, this week. The senior physician (Dr. J. T. Harding) said today the epidemic was unprecedented in the history of Karitane hospitals. He emphasised that the situation was now “well under control” although, as a safety precaution, the hospital was not admitting any more patients in the meantime.

The infection was of a type never encountered before and struck with no clinical warning at all, said Dr. Harding. The first indications came just over a week ago when an unusual nasal infection was detected. Treatment with antibiotics was started immediately and supplies of a special type of penicillin were rushed from Auckland and Dunedin to supplement a supply made available by the Wellington Hospital Board. Doctors and staff were closely examined, and where positive tests were returned penicillin treatment was started immediately. Within four days all signs of the infection had disappeared. About 30 patients have been discharged since the outbreak and all have been certified as “clinically. clear.” Dr. Harding said that although it was too early to say definitely it appeared likely that the outbreak originated from an eczema patient. He expressed the gratitude of the hospital to the Health Department and the National Health Institute for their assistance in conducting bacteriological tests.