Outbreak of Serratia marcescens in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of a Tertiary Care Hospital in Mexico

INTRODUCTION: We describe an outbreak of Serratia marcescens (S. marcescens) infection in the neonatal intensive care unit at Women's Hospital in Sinaloa, Mexico. METHODS: In April 2021, an outbreak of S. marcescens infection was identified. A case was identified as any patient who tested positive for S. marcescens and showed signs of an infectious process. RESULTS: S. marcescens was isolated from the blood cultures of 15 neonates with clinical signs of neonatal sepsis. Statistical analysis showed that all neonates had an invasive medical device. The problem was controlled after hospital hygiene and sanitation measures were strengthened. CONCLUSION: The study provides evidence of an outbreak of nosocomial bacteremia due to the cross-transmission of S. marcescens. The findings highlight the need for hospitals to implement strict hygiene measures, especially regarding hand washing, to prevent future outbreaks.