Hemolytic Streptococci among Infants in a Maternity Department: Report of an Outbreak

Abstract

Reports of several streptococcal infections among babies after discharge from a maternity department initiated an epidemiologic study. Out of 100 infants in the 3 maternity wards 67 % were colonized on the umbilicus with hemolytic streptococci group A. It was assumed that the spread had occurred from infant to infant in connection with the nursing. By means of new and strict hygienic routines, isolation and penicillin treatment of the colonized infants the spread was rapidly brought to an end. A retrospective study among the children delivered up to 6 weeks earlier showed that no less than 64 % had had clinical signs of infection of possible streptococcal origin. Infections had also occurred among many family members. The observations emphasize the importance of strict hygienic routines and continuous bacteriologic surveillance in maternity departments, as well as close contact between maternity departments and health centers for children.