An outbreak of Elizabethkingia anophelis has already affected 44 people in Wisconsin, 18 of whom have died. The bacteria worries the authorities.
Wisconsin authorities have launched an investigation into suspected deaths linked to a rare bacterial infection. In just a few months, the infection is said to have spread to the bloodstream of at least 44 people, and 18 deaths have been attributed to the bacteria.
People infected with Elizabethkingia anophelis were all over 65 and suffered from pre-existing conditions – diabetes, cirrhosis or kidney disease –, announces the Wisconsin Health Agency (WDHS). Deaths therefore cannot be attributed with certainty to the infectious agent. Usually, this rare infection results in fever and difficulty breathing.
An unknown origin
“The Public Health Department is currently investigating an outbreak of bloodstream infections by Elizabethkingia anophelis », the WDHS announced on Thursday. “For the moment, the origin of these contaminations is unknown, and the Agency is working to contain the epidemic”.
In particular, health authorities are interested in fresh and salt water, cosmetics and drugs to determine the epidemic vector. The head of the Agency told the Wisconsin State Journal that, for the moment, there was no evidence of transmission between human beings, and that no cases in children had been listed.
Dr. William Schaffner, an infectious disease specialist at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, said the infection is rare and most often occurs when medical equipment becomes contaminated. “Epidemics ofelizabethkingia have been associated with contaminated ventilators, medications or stomach tubes. This is how the bacteria enters the bloodstream,” he said.
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