Hospital Visitor Likely Brought MRSA Into Neonatal Unit

PITTSBURGH (AP) – Officials believe a visitor to a western Pennsylvania hospital likely was the source of an antibiotic-resistant staph infection contracted by a dozen people, including six babies.  The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center says six babies and six staff members at the Children’s Hospital neonatal intensive care unit were confirmed to have the MRSA infection.  Diane Hupp, chief nursing officer, said Tuesday that officials believe the source was “potentially a visitor” to the NICU. She declined to provide details but said the hospital is “still investigating.”  Hupp said that none of the babies have shown symptoms since the infection was confirmed Friday, although one was being treated “as a precaution.”  Most MRSA infections remain on the skin, but they can become more serious if they spread into the body or bloodstream.