Baby with MRSA died from 'underlying' illness

An infant who was infected with the MRSA superbug is reported to have died from an “underlying” illness.

The baby, who contracted the illness at the National Maternity Hospital in Holles Street, Dublin, is said to have died in the summer of 2004, but news of her death has only just emerged.

The baby developed a bloodstream infection from MRSA, but hospital spokesperson Dr Michael Robson said no baby there has died directly from the superbug.

In the past week, five babies have been isolated at the hospital because MRSA was found on their skin.

However, Dr Robson said all babies were doing well and there is no danger unless the infection gets into the bloodstream.