This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/scotland/edinburgh_and_east/6983265.stm

The article has changed 4 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 2 Version 3
Inquiry after babies contract bug Inquiry after babies contract bug
(about 2 hours later)
An investigation has been launched at a Fife hospital after four newborn babies contracted an infection.An investigation has been launched at a Fife hospital after four newborn babies contracted an infection.
The babies, who were born at Forth Park Hospital in Kirkcaldy, were found to be suffering from meticillin sensitive staphylococcus aureus (MSSA). The babies, who were born at Forth Park Hospital in Kirkcaldy, were found to be suffering from methicillin sensitive staphylococcus aureus (MSSA).
An infection control team has been set up by NHS Fife and has begun investigating how the bacterium spread.An infection control team has been set up by NHS Fife and has begun investigating how the bacterium spread.
One of the infants is still in hospital and is said to be improving. The others have been discharged.One of the infants is still in hospital and is said to be improving. The others have been discharged.
All of the infants were under three weeks old when they contracted the bug. They had been born within 13 days of each other.All of the infants were under three weeks old when they contracted the bug. They had been born within 13 days of each other.
MSSA can spread easily and is usually a relatively minor infection that responds well with appropriate medical care NHS Fife spokeswomanMSSA can spread easily and is usually a relatively minor infection that responds well with appropriate medical care NHS Fife spokeswoman
MSSA causes skin blisters and weeping from the umbilical cord.MSSA causes skin blisters and weeping from the umbilical cord.
An NHS Fife spokeswoman said the bacterium was present on the skin of about 20% of babies in the first week of birth without causing problems.An NHS Fife spokeswoman said the bacterium was present on the skin of about 20% of babies in the first week of birth without causing problems.
"No cause of the infection has been identified, however investigations are ongoing," she said."No cause of the infection has been identified, however investigations are ongoing," she said.
"MSSA can spread easily and is usually a relatively minor infection that responds well with appropriate medical care."MSSA can spread easily and is usually a relatively minor infection that responds well with appropriate medical care.
"Taking simple precautions such as careful hand washing can significantly reduce the risk of spreading the infection.""Taking simple precautions such as careful hand washing can significantly reduce the risk of spreading the infection."
NHS Fife has sent letters to GPs and other medical professionals advising them of the infection.NHS Fife has sent letters to GPs and other medical professionals advising them of the infection.
Anyone who is concerned about a baby less than three weeks old who was born at the hospital is asked to contact their GP or NHS 24.Anyone who is concerned about a baby less than three weeks old who was born at the hospital is asked to contact their GP or NHS 24.