An outbreak of endometritis in a maternity unit caused by spread of group A streptococci from a showerhead.

Abstract

An outbreak of puerperal infection in a maternity unit caused by group A streptococci is described. During a 2 week period, seven mothers suffered from postpartum endometritis and one baby from conjunctivitis. The search for the route of spread involved sampling patients, personnel and the environment. Culture results suggested that infection was probably spread by a hand shower. On the basis of laboratory experiments a new routine for disinfection of these showers was instituted.