The Flevoziekenhuis in Almere has closed its neonatal unit until further notice following six cases of MRSA infection.

Three babies and three hospital care workers were found to have the infection which can be dangerous to premature or ill babies.

Emergency child births can still go ahead, the hospital said. Hospital staff are being tested for MRSA and cleaning has been intensified, local broadcaster Omroep Flevoland reported.

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureas or MRSA is usually found in hospitals but is on the rise elsewhere as well.

In most cases it does not present symptoms but it can be dangerous for people with a compromised immune system when it can lead to infections and, in rare cases, scepsis or pneumonia. Resistance to most antibiotics makes the infection difficult to combat.