started · updated
Maternidad La Altagracia investigates neonatal deaths and bacterial outbreak
Authorities in the Dominican Republic are investigating a series of neonatal deaths at the Maternidad Nuestra Señora de la Altagracia in Santo Domingo. The National Health Service (SNS) reported that 17 newborns died in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) between August 1 and August 24.
Of these deaths, three have been directly linked to infections caused by multi-resistant bacteria, specifically Klebsiella and Serratia. A total of 15 newborns tested positive for these microorganisms. The remaining 14 deaths were attributed to other complex medical conditions, such as extreme prematurity and congenital anomalies.
Vice President Raquel Peña stated that the government is conducting an exhaustive investigation through the Ministry of Public Health and the SNS to ensure protocols are followed and to prevent further occurrences. Medical societies, including the Dominican Societies of Neonatology and Pediatrics, have called for an independent technical audit to examine clinical, administrative, and structural deficiencies within the hospital.
Luis Peña, president of the Dominican Medical College, emphasized the need to identify failures in hygiene and infection control, suggesting that improvements in cleaning and staffing could mitigate such risks.
Entities
Colegio Médico Dominicano · Maternidad Nuestra Señora de La Altagracia · Ministerio de Salud Pública · Raquel Peña · Servicio Nacional de Salud
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 4 SOURCES] Three of the neonatal deaths were linked to infections by multi-resistant microorganisms. dominicanaaldia.com · noticias31.com.do · www.diariolibre.com · noticia.do
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The maternity hospital recorded 31 neonatal deaths between July and August. noticia.do
- [● 4 SOURCES] The SNS reported 17 neonatal deaths in the NICU between August 1 and August 24. dominicanaaldia.com · noticias31.com.do · www.diariolibre.com · noticia.do
- [● 2 SOURCES] Authorities identified 15 positive cultures in newborns, including 12 cases of Klebsiella and three of Serratia. dominicanaaldia.com · noticia.do
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The Dominican Societies of Neonatology and Pediatrics have called for an independent technical investigation into the deaths. expressdiario.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Vice President Raquel Peña confirmed that the SNS and the Ministry of Public Health are conducting an investigation into the deaths. noticias31.com.do · www.diariolibre.com · noticia.do