Two babies dead, NICU shut down, as a mystery bacteria ravages a Maryland hospital

 Prince George's Hospital Center in Maryland is clearing babies from its neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) after three babies tested positive for a bacteria that can cause a potentially deadly infection.


Two babies recently died in the NICU, a hospital spokeswoman said. But Chief Medical Officer Dr. Carnell Cooper said those deaths are unrelated to the infection.



"There has been no clear relationship that we found between the deaths and the bacteria," he said.


Babies in the NICU "often have a multitude of conditions that put them at risk for dying," Cooper said.



Hospital officials say three infants tested positive for the bacteria pseudomonas but were found to be "clinically asymptomatic for any active infection with the bacterium." The bacteria was found on nasal swabs during routine screening, officials said.


A total of nine infants are being moved to other hospitals.