Units Closed in Hospital After Potentially Deadly Bacteria Infects Children

Contact a Medical Malpractice Lawyer

December 18th, 2006

"Hospital Closes After Bacteria Infects 7 Children"

A Los Angeles hospital has closed its pediatrics and neonatal intensive care units to new patients after a possibly fatal bacterium infected seven children including one newborn who might have died from the injury, according to officials.

Currently, all critically ill infants born at White Memorial Medical Center after the outbreak of Pseudomonas aeruginosa will be stabilized in a special isolation area before getting moved to other hospitals.

Medical Mistake Caused Infections

Hospital officials believe the source of the bacterium outbreak was a larynogoscope blade—a medical instrument used to inspect a baby''s larynx—that wasn''t properly sterilized.

Unfortunately, a medical professional''s failure to properly clean and sterilize instruments contributes to thousands of cases of serious injury or death to patients every year in the United States.

Since Nov. 30, the germ in the pediatrics and neonatal ICUs infected five children, possibly killing one, said Dr. Laurene Mascola, director of LA County''s acute communicable disease control unit.

“These are very, very sick babies to begin with. (An infection) can increase their chance of dying,” she said.

The hospital is continuing its investigation of the outbreak with federal, state, and county officials as well as reviewing its guidelines for managing infections.

Harmed by Medical Malpractice? Please click here to speak with a qualified and caring medical malpractice attorney who can inform you of your legal rights and options.