Hospital probes further case of scalded skin syndrome

THE Mid-Western Regional Hospital said yesterday it was investigating a further case of the Staphylococcal Scalded Skin Syndrome (SSSS).

The infection hits new-born babies.

If untreated it can lead to complications and serious illnesses such as septicaemia.

Four babies have already tested positive in the outbreak, the first of its kind in this county.

Tests on a fifth baby are currently ongoing and now a sixth baby is suspected of having contracted SSSS.

Due to the fact this is such a rare infection, swabs have to be sent to a British laboratory for analysis.

The four babies confirmed as having picked up SSSS were all successfully treated and allowed home.

Numerous individual cases of SSSS have been reported in various parts of the county and treated, but the Limerick outbreak is the first involving a cluster in the one area.

All the affected babies were delivered at the Regional Maternity Hospital.

SSSS is an infection characterised by red blistering of the skin that looks like a burn or scald.

Treatment requires hospitalisation for up to 10 days as intravenous antibiotics are necessary to fight infection.

Although the outward sings of the infection look severe, children generally recover well and healing is complete within seven days.

The source of the infection has not yet been located. Testing of staff and the environment at the Regional Maternity Hospital is ongoing.