E.coli fears for third baby

A third baby at a hospital where two babies died in an E.coli outbreak is suspected of having the potentially fatal infection. The latest case is a baby who is carrying the bacterium without any signs of infection, health chiefs confirmed last night.

The maternity unit at Singleton Hospital, in Swansea, South Wales, continues to be restricted to full-term babies following the deaths. Hopes that it could reopen in full to all pregnancies today have been put on hold.

"A third case of ESBL E.coli cross-infection is unfortunately suspected at the maternity/neonatal unit at Singleton Hospital," a spokeswoman said.

"The baby has been a patient in the neonatal unit at the hospital within the past month. Further tests are now under way to confirm the cross-infection."

A helpline number for mothers-to-be who have queries is 07747 615627. There is also a freephone number: 0800 9520090.