Norovirus assumed to be cause of babies’ deaths

Imraan Karolia | Yesterday


Hospital officials told Eyewitness News one baby was detected with norovirus on Friday. By the end of the weekend 30 more babies displayed symptoms of diarrhoea.

Six infants died on Tuesday but the first baby to have caught the virus is still alive.

The community-acquired virus is believed to have spread by milk bottles, faeces of oral contact like kissing. Health MEC Qaedani Mahlangu is visiting the neonatal ward which is now sanitised.

Some of the remaining seven babies inside could be hear crying.

Maghlangu questions inspection control, saying anyone who enters the ward must wash their hands and wear hospital gowns.

She is currently meeting with the mother of one of the babies who died.

(Edited by Deshnee Subramany)