Neo-natal units that have received babies from the Royal Maternity and Altnagelvin neo-natal units since 14 November 2011 have been advised to screen infants who are still in their care for Pseudomonas.
The Public Health Agency (PHA) said it is possible that more babies could be found to have the infection. Three babies have died in January at the Royal Maternity after contracting the infection. Another had died at Altnagelvin.
The Department of Health has said the number of babies who have the Pseudomonas bacteria on their skin associated with the Royal outbreak, is now eight. It is possible to carry the bacteria on the skin and not become infected.
On Wednesday, the PHA said prior to the current outbreak there was "no clear rationale for routine pseudomonas screenings".
It emerged on Tuesday that sink taps were the source of the infection in the neo-natal unit at the Royal Jubilee Maternity Hospital. A case involving a seriously ill child was confirmed as Pseudomonas on Tuesday but the baby's condition is now said to be improving.
(Read More) Source: BBC News
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