Blister source traced

Press, 29 November 1989, Page 1

Blister source traced

By

CLARE BARRY

A staff member has been identified as the carrier of a skin infection affecting babies at Christchurch Women’s Hospital. The infection, which causes large weeping blisters, has affected about 15 babies this year. It is caused by a strain of the staphylococcus aureus bacteria.

Tests have been made since October to identify a carrier, suspected to be a staff member.

The carrier has been relieved of duties until the infection clears, and has been offered treatment and counselling. The Canterbury Area Health Board’s professional adviser for

medical services, Dr John Holmes, said the staff member would be retested in about two weeks to see if the infection had cleared. Adult carriers of the infection were not affected by the symptoms. Soft Toys were withdrawn from nurseries at the hospital in October, and have also been confirmed as carrying the infection. There is a delay of about three weeks after testing for results to be confirmed. Dr Holmes said staff had been reminded of routine hygiene procedures, such as washing hands and making sure babies had their own toys.