An anonymous "concerned employee" reported the bacterial outbreak in the neonatal intensive care unit at University Hospital in Newark, according to an article on the N.J.com website.
State Health Commissioner Shereef Elnahal confirmed the agency sent inspectors after an anonymous tip.
Four infants contracted the Acinetobacter baumannii bacteria, a hospital-acquired infection, in September. One of the babies was transferred to another hospital and later died, but the cause of death has not yet been determined. The three other infants responded to treatment, and there have not been any new reported infections.
The inspectors found numerous infection control deficiencies involving hand-washing, gloves and cleaning protocols. The hospital has been under scrutiny this year after received a failing grade from the national Leapfrog Group safety report card, scoring poorly in areas of infection control. It did not receive a failing grade in the newest report released Nov. 8.
A 'Superbug' Is on the Rise in Hospitals
The Next Generation of Security Tech in Healthcare Facilities
Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of St. Petersburg Opens
Why More Facilities are Adding Gender Neutral Restrooms
Massachusetts Hospital Cyberattack Reflects Growing Vulnerability in Healthcare Systems