The presence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has been confirmed at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh’s neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).
The health and safety of our patients, staff and visitors is our highest priority. We’re doing everything we can to care for them. UPMC always follows CDC guidelines, and isolation protocols and infection control procedures are in place. We immediately notified the Allegheny County Health Department and Pennsylvania Department of Health and are collaborating to ensure the safest possible environment for patient care.
All NICU patients have been tested, six have tested positive for MRSA and one of those patients is potentially symptomatic. Several staff have come forward with potential symptoms, of which six have been confirmed to have MRSA to date and are being appropriately treated. It is important to note that a portion of the population carry MRSA without ever being symptomatic.
We have several tests pending and will provide updates as more information becomes available.
FAQs on MRSA Situation at UPMC Children’s Hospital’s NICU
How widespread is the issue at UPMC Children’s Hospital?
A. The presence of MRSA is confirmed at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh’s NICU. This issue is not impacting other areas of the hospital.
Is the hospital safe? Should I bring my child in for his/her appointment?
A. UPMC Children’s is operating normally and continues to accept patients to the hospital. If you have an appointment, or your child is having an emergency, UPMC Children’s is prepared to care for your child.
What are the symptoms of MRSA?
A. Symptoms of MRSA may include small red bumps on the skin, boils or pimples resembling a spider bite, skin around a sore that feels hot to the touch and swollen or hard bumps under the skin.
My child was at Children’s last week. Should I be concerned?
A. There is no indication that anyone outside of the NICU has been affected by this situation. There is no reason to be concerned.
My child was at Children’s last week and has developed a skin condition. What do I do now?
A. Contact your pediatrician — he or she is best suited to evaluate your child’s symptoms, and prescribe appropriate treatment(s).
How can people stop MRSA from spreading?
A. To prevent MRSA, hand hygiene is the best defense.
What is UPMC Children’s doing to stop this?
A. At UPMC Children’s, we are continually working with the Department of Health and the Allegheny County Health Department to make sure we have the resources we need. UPMC always follows CDC guidelines, and isolation protocols and infection control procedures are in place. The health and safety of our patients, staff, and visitors are of the highest priority, and we are doing everything we can to care for them.
