Five infants receiving treatment in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH) have been infected with a dangerous Multi-Drug-Resistant Organism (MDRO).

The hospital revealed that the bacteria, identified as MDRO "Burkholderia cepacia," was first detected in a sample from a premature infant born before 28 weeks gestation. Upon discovery, the child was immediately isolated and infection control protocols were implemented.

Subsequent testing revealed four additional cases among NICU patients—three premature infants and one full-term newborn. All affected children were on ventilator support at the time of diagnosis.

"The situation has been effectively contained, with no further transmission detected," IGMH stated on their official X account. "Enhanced precautions continue to be enforced to safeguard the health and safety of all patients and staff."

The hospital confirmed that arrangements are being made to transfer infants requiring specialised care to facilities abroad. Currently, the NICU is treating 10 infants, with half of them now in isolation due to the bacterial infection.

Hospital officials emphasised that rigorous infection control measures were implemented immediately after detection. They continue to monitor both patients and healthcare workers, though no staff members have reportedly contracted the organism.

"Hospital-acquired infections are a known risk in critical care settings, especially among vulnerable patient populations," the statement noted.

The hospital indicated that additional information will be released as it becomes available.