Deadly superbug discovered at Thelle Mogoerane Hospital
The first baby died in July (the same month the superbug was discovered) and that the second baby died in August.
DA Gauteng shadow health MEC Jack Bloom said that overcrowding and understaffing at Thelle Mogoerane Hospital in Vosloorus caused the outbreak of an antibiotic-resistant superbug at the hospital, leading to the deaths of two babies.
However, hospital spokesperson Philani Mhlungu said at this time it is difficult to single out overcrowding and understaffing as the reasons behind the deadly bug outbreak.
Bloom said after visiting the hospital on August 21, he discovered that seven babies had been infected with the antibiotic-resistant klebsiella and that two of them had died.
He said the first baby died in July (the same month the superbug was discovered) and that the second baby died in August.
“The information was given to me and DA MP Neil Campbell on our oversight inspection as we were investigating media reports of the babies’ deaths,” said Bloom.
He added that the hospital had not yet identified the source of the infection.
Gauteng Department of Health spokesperson Lesimang Maduka said, “I can confirm the outbreak and that the samples have been taken to the laboratory to establish the source of the outbreak.”
Mhlungu said the situation was not as bad as was reported in the media.
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“We would like to confirm that our hospital’s neonatal unit identified a klebsiella pneumoniae outbreak in July, contrary to what has been reported in the media.
“There are only seven cases that were identified and two babies were sadly lost.
“There were five babies who were being treated, and out of the five, one of the baby’s results was negative.
“The hospital took proactive measures by strengthening infection prevention and control and closely monitoring the unit.
“All babies that were admitted to the ward were screened to prevent further infections.
“In addition to that, the district specialist and head office were called in for support,” said Mhlungu.
The hospital’s chief executive officer, Dr Nomonde Mqhayi-Mbambo, said they were working closely with all stakeholders to ensure that this facility indeed serves the community.
“We are making sure that patient care and delivery of quality health-care service remain our key priority and that all complaints and concerns brought to us are thoroughly followed through,” said Mqhayi-Mbambo.
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