UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh confirmed 12 cases of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, mostly in its neonatal intensive care unit July 1.
The hospital tested all NICU patients, and six tested positive for MRSA. Some staff members also showed signs of the disease, and six have tested positive for MRSA.
"The health and safety of our patients, staff and visitors is our highest priority. We're doing everything we can to care for them," the hospital stated in a news release.
The hospital said it is following CDC guidelines and isolation and infection control protocols. It has notified the Allegheny County Health Department and Pennsylvania Health Department.
MRSA is resistant to several antibiotics and can cause bloodstream infections, pneumonia or surgical site infections. If left untreated, MRSA infections can cause sepsis.