An outbreak of respiratory illnesses has forced the closure of another NICU in London. Seven out of the 35 infants at St. Joseph’s hospital NICU tested positive for parainfluenza type 3 or respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) this week, prompting the unit to suspend admission of new patients.
According to Dr. Michael John, the medical director of infection prevention and control, premature babies are especially vulnerable to infections and respiratory illnesses, making them prone to complications. The outbreak was first detected when two recently discharged infants began to show signs of respiratory illness. Subsequent testing revealed viral respiratory illnesses in four babies, with three testing positive for parainfluenza type 3 and one showing positive for both parainfluenza type 3 and RSV.
Further testing confirmed three more cases of RSV or parainfluenza type 3 or both. While none of the babies are critically ill, the viral respiratory illnesses can pose severe problems for high-risk infants in the NICU.
To prevent the further spread of the illnesses, all 35 babies in the unit have received an RSV-fighting antibody, and special precautions are in place. Parainfluenza does not have a specific antibody for treatment.
In response to the outbreak, the NICU unit will be closed to new admissions for 24 hours while the situation is assessed. If the closure continues, expectant mothers at high risk may need to deliver at other hospitals.
It is important to note that the screening tests initially used may have resulted in false positive cases for RSV. Additionally, RSV cases are rare outside of the winter months. The babies in St. Joseph’s NICU have been retested to confirm the presence of RSV, and the results are expected by 5 p.m. today.
If your baby has been discharged from the NICU within the past week and is showing symptoms such as rapid breathing, cough, or fever, please seek medical care at Children’s Emergency.
Toronto, Hamilton, and Ottawa all have NICUs available for high-risk babies.
Stay informed about the situation as doctors will make a decision regarding the unit reopening based on the test results.
