Tainted IVs 'most likely' caused deaths

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NEW DELHI, Feb. 25 (UPI) -- Thirteen pregnant women in India's Rajasthan state died in the past 10 days, allegedly after being given infected IV fluids, health officials said.

Health authorities are investigating the intravenous fluid allegations at a government hospital, the BBC reported.

"The women died after severe hemorrhaging and we believe the most likely cause might be an infection after they were administered tainted IV fluids," a hospital administrator told the BBC.

"During lab tests, we found three batches of glucose, which were tainted. We have lodged a complaint with the police and strict action will be taken against the manufacturers."

The report said India has the world's highest maternal mortality rate, with critics saying most pregnancy-related deaths can be prevented with more care and better treatment.