Two new cases of babies being diagnosed with blood poisoning from a suspected contaminated drip could emerge at two Essex hospitals.
Public Health England said it was awaiting confirmation after further testing on one probable case at Southend Hospital after a baby showed clinical symptoms
Meanwhile, experts are also waiting on one possible case at Basildon Hospital. A baby is showing clinical symptoms, but blood testing did not confirm the infection.
Another case and a positive test for 'Bacillus cereus' has been confirmed at Peterborough City Hospital.
The babies, who became unwell last week, are responding to antibiotic treatment. It was reported to Public Health England this week and the contaminated batches have since been withdrawn.
It brings the number of cases to 18, including one death. They were diagnosed at three London hospitals, including Guy's and St Thomas's, where the fatality occurred on Sunday (June 1).
A spokesman for Public Health England said: "Following the Class 1 drug alert by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) to support the manufacturer's recall of the product on June 3, we are confident that any remaining stock of this medicine is not being used in hospitals.
"The MHRA is continuing its investigation into this incident and the manufacturer is co-operating fully."
