CHU de Nantes reports two newborn deaths from hospital infections

The Nantes University Hospital (CHU de Nantes) has confirmed that two newborns have died due to nosocomial infections occurring in its neonatal intensive care and intensive care units. These deaths have been recorded since the summer of 2025.

In addition to the fatalities, the hospital reported two cases of meningitis among newborns. While several infectious episodes have occurred since 2022, the facility stated that the most severe outbreaks are currently under control. One ongoing outbreak involves Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), though no deaths have been directly attributed to it so far.

A January 2026 audit conducted by the Centre d'appui pour la prévention des infections associées aux soins (CPIAS) of the Pays de la Loire region identified the persistence of non-compliant practices among medical, paramedical, and external personnel. In response, the hospital has implemented enhanced surveillance and prevention measures, and an external expert mission was commissioned in June 2026 to evaluate current practices.