3 Babies Die From Waterborne Infection At PA Hospital

DANVILLE, PA — The CDC and the Pennsylvania Department of Health are investigating after three babies at a Pennsylvania NICU died from a waterborne infection.

The deaths occurred at Geisinger Medical Center in Danville. The hospital, in a statement Monday, said eight infants in the NICU suffered from pseudomonas infection, a waterborne bacterium.

Of the eight infants treated for the infection, three died and one remains on antibiotics, the hospital said.

"We express our deepest sympathies and provide our full support to the families and loved ones who have been affected," the hospital said in the statement.

The hospital did not give a specific timeline for the infant deaths. PennLive.com reported the first baby became ill in early August.

The hospital confirmed Pennsylvania Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control are investigating the origin of the infection. The agencies will also be ensuring that the bacteria is eradicated.

Mothers delivering prematurely —before 32 weeks gestation — will be sent to other hospitals with NICU facilities, the hospital said.

"We will continue our meticulous and comprehensive infection control practices to reduce the risk of any infection in any infant, and we remain committed to providing the highest level of family-centered neonatal care for our families and babies," the statement said.