Babies infected with rare bacteria in Adelaide hospital

An internal investigation is underway at the Flinders Medical Centre in Adelaide's south after five babies contracted the extremely rare bacteria serratia marcescens.

The first positive case of the dangerous pathogen was confirmed on May 18.

It's the first case of bacteria in two decades at the hospital's neonatal unit.

The baby was immediately isolated and treated with antibiotics, until the infant fully recovered.

The newborn's bed area was deep cleaned and no other patients were admitted for over 24 hours in line with infection control protocols.

However, authorities have revealed a second baby was diagnosed with the infection on May 30 after catching the bacteria from the bed space which had been deep cleaned.

That baby is now in a serious but stable condition and has been transferred for more specialised care.

SA Health's Dr Diana Lawrence said all 40 babies within the unit, as well as recent discharges, have now been tested for the bacteria.

The bacteria can cause infection in vulnerable and unwell patients.

"Once we became aware of the second baby displaying symptoms, we immediately launched a thorough investigation into the origins of the infection by testing the environment where the bacteria can grow," Dr Lawrence said.

Three babies have been confirmed as carriers without symptoms and are receiving prophylactic antibiotics at Flinders Medical Centre.

Dr Lawrence said an internal investigation is now underway at the hospital following the diagnoses.

"We are taking all measures possible to prevent further cases and to maintain the safety of the babies within the unit," she said.

"We will continue to test and screen babies in the unit and our staff will be wearing gloves and yellow gowns as an extra precaution when providing care to babies."

More than 200 environmental swab tests have been taken within the unit, with one positive test resulting from a hand basin, which has been removed and will be replaced.

Despite the possible source linked to the hand basin, swabbing and testing will continue across the unit.

Dr Lawrence said while the internal investigation is underway, additional precautions have been implemented within the unit to protect babies and their families.

"As an extra precaution we will temporarily minimise new patient admissions, except for urgent cases, with non-urgent cases diverted to the Women's and Children's Hospital," she said.

"As we have been doing throughout COVID-19, we will continue to restrict visitors to the unit to only parents of the baby."