According to an article on CNN, a recent breakout of pseudomonas bacteria in the neonatal intensive care unit of the Geisinger Medical Center in Danville has killed three babies and sickened five others. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are investigating the origin of the breakout. However, the kind of bacteria that caused the infection makes it likely the hospital’s failure to properly maintain sterile medical equipment and water supplies is to blame.

At the Law Office of Alvin F. de Levie , our team of experienced personal injury attorneys has a history of representing the families of children who have suffered serious injuries and death due to the negligence of medical professionals in counties throughout Pennsylvania.  If your child or another loved one you know may have contracted an infection in a hospital, you should contact this office immediately at (844) 777-2529.

 According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), pseudomonas bacteria infections typically occur in hospital settings. The bacteria thrive in moist environments, allowing it to spread rapidly in tap water supplies, tubes connected to breathing machines and catheters, IV lines, and other medical equipment that regularly comes into contact with moisture. The bacteria can also be spread to equipment and patients by healthcare staff who have not properly washed their hands.

 Illnesses caused by pseudomonas infections can be mild in healthy individuals, ranging from skin rashes to ear and eye infections. These conditions are usually treated with topical creams and antibiotics. However, patients with weakened immune systems or open wounds (i.e., those undergoing surgery or treatment for serious burns) who become infected can suffer serious and often life-threatening complications.

 The CNN article noted all three babies that died at Geisinger Danville were born premature and were being treated in the neonatal intensive care unit. The children’s weakened immune systems left them vulnerable to the infection, which was likely spread by a combination of hospital staff and contaminated medical equipment or water supplies.

 These cases are tragic, as simple hygienic practices such as routine hand washing and the regular monitoring and cleaning of medical equipment and water supplies can substantially lower the risk that pseudomonas bacteria will spread and cause infections.   In the article, hospital staff noted Geisinger Danville will be taking enhanced measures to combat the spread of the bacteria, such as properly chlorinating water lines and cleaning its neonatal intensive care unit more frequently. One is left to wonder why these simple measures hadn’t been taken before and whether the lives of these three children would have been spared if such hygienic practices were in place to begin with.

 Again, if you or a loved one has contracted an infection in a hospital or another healthcare setting, please call our office. 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at (844) 777-2529.   We practice throughout Pennsylvania, including in Central and Western Pennsylvania and, with offices in State College, Bellefonte, Lock Haven and Philadelphia, we are always available to meet with you in person.