Department Of Health Investigating Bacterial Infection At New Jersey Hospital After Premature Baby's Death

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NEWARK, N.J. (CBS) -- An investigation is underway for an outbreak of a bacterial infection in a New Jersey hospital's NICU unit that may be responsible for the death of a premature baby.

The New Jersey Department of Health is investigating four cases of Acinetobacter baumannii at University Hospital in Newark. The pathogen attacks humans with already weak immune systems.

The Department was made aware of the infection on Oct. 1, after a premature baby who had been cared for at University Hospital contracted the infection and later passed away after being moved to another facility in late September. The cause of death is still being investigated.

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The DOH has ordered the hospital to employ a full-time Certified Infection Control Practitioner consultant, who will report to the Department in the coming days on what actions need to be taken.

The Department is also exploring if further actions need to be taken to ensure patient safety.