A New Born Premature Baby Dies After Being Fed Contaminated Baby Formula At German Clinic

Story By: Georgina Jadikovska, Sub-Editor: Marija Stojkoska, Agency: Newsflash

A prematurely born baby who was just a few days old has died after being fed contaminated baby formula at a German clinic.

The unnamed baby who was born prematurely in the 33rd week of pregnancy died on 7th June just three days after being fed contaminated powdered baby formula at the Oldenburg Clinic in the German city of Oldenburg on 3rd June 2021.

Additionally, another baby fell seriously ill after being fed the same formula at the clinic whilst three others also ingested the substance but have not shown any signs of illness as of yet.

The Oldenburg Clinic in the German state of Lower Saxony where the infant died. (Newsflash)

Oldenburg clinic spokesperson Sigrid Jurgensmann said that the seriously ill baby was kept in the hospital and in this case its condition has stabilised.

However, according to Jurgensmann, it is not yet possible to foresee whether further issues will arise.

After launching an investigation on 11th June, the public prosecutor now believes that a germ from the ‘Cronobacter spp.’ genus had contaminated the formula.

The Oldenburg Clinic in the German state of Lower Saxony where the infant died. (Newsflash)

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Cronobacter is a germ that lives in very dry places.

It has been found in dry like powdered infant formula, powdered milk, herbal teas, and starches.

When ingested Cronobacter infections can develop which are often very serious for babies with the possibility of it resulting in death.

The Oldenburg Clinic in the German state of Lower Saxony where the infant died. (Newsflash)

Jurgensmann discussed the dangers of Cronobacter saying: “While it rarely leads to illnesses in adults, it can be dangerous for babies and children up to the age of 12 months.”

However, clinic authorities believe that the powdered milk used to make the babies’ formula was not the source of contamination due to the clinic’s strict health regulations, but they fear the germ found its way into the baby food during the preparation process in the kitchen.

Jurgensmann said: “There are several possibilities that we have also mentioned to the investigating authorities. Even food preparation mistakes cannot be ruled out.”

The Oldenburg Clinic in the German state of Lower Saxony where the infant died. (Newsflash)

Director of the University Clinic for Child and Adolescent Medicine at the Oldenburg Clinic Axel Heep said: “The incident happened in the first week of the child’s life. It can be assumed that the premature baby did not have the immune system that could have protected it.”

He added: “It’s a terrible loss for the parents. We are all deeply affected and of course, we are also sorry. We’re have talked to the parents about it and we are trying to support them.”

The public prosecutor’s office in the city of Oldenburg is currently investigating the incident as negligent homicide.

Director Axel Heep from the Oldenburg Clinic located in the German state of Lower Saxony. (Newsflash)

This is not the first case of baby food contamination in a German clinic as three premature babies died and several more became ill during a germ outbreak in the intensive care unit at the Bremen-Mitte Clinic in 2011.