Caribbean National Weekly

Seven babies die from bacterial outbreak at Jamaican Hospital

By Micaiah Morgan··1 min read
Seven babies die from bacterial outbreak at Jamaican Hospital
Key Points(5)
  • Jamaica's <a href="https://www.moh.gov.jm/">Minister of Health and Wellness</a>, Dr.
  • Christopher Tufton has confirmed that seven babies died in July from a bacterial outbreak at the neonatal unit of the Victoria Jubilee maternity hospital in Kingston However, he dismissed reports that dozens of babies died.
  • The seven deaths represented a mortality rate of 43 percent from 16 infections.
  • Klebsiella pneumoniae infections are common in Jamaican hospitals.
  • <a href="https://www.caribbeannationalweekly.com/news/diaspora-help-sought-alleviate-preemie-baby-crisis-jamaica/">There was a spike in deaths in 2015 and 2016</a>.

Jamaica's Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. Christopher Tufton has confirmed that seven babies died in July from a bacterial outbreak at the neonatal unit of the Victoria Jubilee maternity hospital in Kingston

However, he dismissed reports that dozens of babies died.

The seven deaths represented a mortality rate of 43 percent from 16 infections.

Klebsiella pneumoniae infections are common in Jamaican hospitals. There was a spike in deaths in 2015 and 2016.

However, deaths from the bacterial illness have decreased in comparison to last year’s reports, with cases recorded in August, September, and one so far in October.

 

Related Stories

St. Vincent announces emergency measures to offset rising global prices

St. Vincent announces emergency measures to offset rising global prices

Bahamas imposes travel ban on visitors from three African countries over Ebola concerns

Bahamas imposes travel ban on visitors from three African countries over Ebola concerns

CARICOM foreign ministers condemn intensified US measures against Cuba

CARICOM foreign ministers condemn intensified US measures against Cuba

St. Lucia PM cautious on restoring death penalty amid growing public calls

St. Lucia PM cautious on restoring death penalty amid growing public calls