Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH) has confirmed that five neonates in its Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) have tested positive for a rare and dangerous strain of multi-drug resistant (MDR) Burkholderia cepacia.

The hospital initially disclosed the information via a post on X, followed by a detailed statement on Thursday night. 
According to IGMH, the first case was identified on March 27, 2025, in a baby born at less than 28 weeks of gestation.

The infant, who was on a ventilator, tested positive for MDR Burkholderia cepacia, prompting immediate isolation and the implementation of strict infection control measures.

Subsequent testing revealed that four additional infants, three premature and one full-term, all on ventilatory support were also infected. 
All five affected neonates are currently being treated in isolation under close monitoring, with therapy guided by antimicrobial susceptibility testing and their clinical condition according to IGMH. 

They further disclosed that since March 27, a total of 84 neonates have received treatment in the NICU. 
As of now, ten remain admitted, including the five affected by the infection. IGMH confirmed that no new cases have been identified since April 15, indicating that the outbreak has been effectively contained.

The hospital added that widespread testing was carried out to determine the source of the infection, and arrangements are being made to send the affected children who need further treatment to abroad. 

Multi-Drug Resistant (MDR) organisms are bacteria that have developed resistance to multiple classes of antibiotics, making infections difficult to treat and control, especially in vulnerable patients like neonates.