In an update of the Bacillus cereus outbreak affecting NICUs in England hospitals shows  the total number of cases linked to its investigation of blood poisoning (septicemia) in babies being treated in neonatal intensive care units in England stands at 22 (18 confirmed and 4 possible cases). 

UK image/CIA
UK image/CIA

All babies received the potentially affected intravenous liquid (total parental nutrition, TPN). There have been no new infections since 2 June 2014.

Another baby has sadly died but this does not appear to be related to the Bacillus cereus infection. One other death has previously been reported under this investigation.

Professor Mike Catchpole, PHE Incident Director, said:

Investigations to date have suggested the source of the Bacillus cereus infection that has affected outbreak cases was the contamination of intravenous liquid products during a single day of production, which are no longer in circulation. PHE is continuing to work with the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) on this investigation and to ensure all possible lessons from this serious incident are identified.

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