E.coli probe at baby death ward

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Two other babies are being treated for E. coli at Luton and Dunstable Hospital

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) has begun an investigation into the deaths of two babies following an outbreak of E.coli at a hospital in Bedfordshire.

The premature babies became infected while at the neo-natal intensive care unit at Luton and Dunstable Hospital.

Two other babies are in a stable condition after contracting the bug and seven more have it in in their systems, but have not developed full symptoms.

Visiting restrictions have been put in place on the ward.

It is very rare that an infection would break out in a neo-natal intensive care unit Professor Anthony Palmer

The drug-resistant strain of the bacteria, known as ESBL, was discovered in the unit at the end of last month.

Professor Anthony Palmer, deputy chief executive and director of nursing and clinical services at the hospital, said: "The situation is now under control and there have been no new cases of ESBL in the unit since 13 October when the outbreak was declared.

"The controls and the level of care here are of the highest standard and it is very rare that an infection would break out in a neo-natal intensive care unit.

"We've employed the advice of the experts (from the HPA) in terms of investigating how on earth the infection got into a small number of our babies."

A strict hygiene regime has been implemented with visiting has been restricted to parents.

They must wear protective clothing and have been told not to visit if they are unwell.

A hospital spokeswoman said the bacteria could have contributed to the deaths of the babies, but would not have been the sole cause.