7 Infant Deaths in Port of Spain NICU Due to Bacterial Outbreak Confirmed by Health Minister

PORT OF SPAIN – Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh Friday confirmed that at least seven babies had died at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of the Port of Spain General Hospital (PoSGH) earlier this month as a result of a bacterial outbreak.

“With a heavy heart and on behalf of the government and people of Trinidad and Tobago, I stand before you today to confirm the sad news of the deaths of seven premature babies at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit…between April 4 and April 7, “ Deyalsingh told the Parliament.

He told the bereaved parents “please note that our thoughts are with you during this incredibly difficult time. We share in your grief and extend our deepest sympathies to you and your families.”

In a statement on Thursday night, the North West Regional Health Authority (NWRHA) said laboratory investigations revealed the presence of three different organisms – serratia marcesens, ESBL Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Klebsiella aerogenes – all known to pose significant risks to vulnerable neonates.

“Despite administering high-dose antibiotics and providing advanced and intensive cardio-respiratory support, the infection claimed the lives of some of these preterm babies, all weighing under 1500 grams and less than 32 weeks gestational age.”

The NWRHA said that the medical team, recognising the severity of the situation, immediately initiated infectious diseases and control protocols for the treatment of late-onset neonatal sepsis, a condition known for its rapid onset and potentially devastating consequences.

“In response to this heartbreaking situation, the NICU was immediately closed to new admissions to prevent further transmission of the infection and healthy babies discharged. “Rigorous sanitisation and sterilisation measures were imp, adding that its microbiology lab did tests for potential sources,” the NWRHA said, indicating also that assistance is being sought from regional organisations.

Deyalsingh said that the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and the Trinidad-based Caribbean Industrial Research Institute (CARIRI) “as relevant matter experts be engaged” in carrying out the investigation into the origin of the outbreak.

“I also wish to state that the Ministry of Health has commenced a separate investigation into this matter,” Deyalsingh said, adding that he wanted to advise legislators that as of April 7 “no new infections have been reported and I am advised that new admissions have resumed as of Wednesday April 10”.

Deyalsingh said he wanted to re-assure legislators that “throughout this challenging situation, I am advised that senior doctors and nurses were present providing care to the neonates and parents were regularly updated on their babies’ conditions.

“We recognise the emotional toll this has taken on the families and all parents have been offered bereavement counselling,” Deyalsingh said. (CMC)