Elizabethkingia Bacterial Infection Suspected in a Baby in the US

Health officials in Wisconsin have been investigating a serious outbreak of a deadly bacteria that can cause a rare bloodstream infection.

The first outbreak of the bacterium known as Elizabethkingia was reported in December and almost 59 cases have been confirmed in the state, making it the largest outbreak in the US. Eighteen deaths have also been linked to Elizabethkingia.

‘Elizabethkingia bacteria infects the blood and affects the respiratory tract and the recent outbreak in Wisconsin is reportedly the largest in the US. ’

The cause of the outbreak is still unknown and even the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have not been able to identify the cause and the means by which it spreads.

The symptoms of the disease include chills, shortness of breath and fever. Only in March, Health officials have warned the public about its spread. So far, the cases were reported only in the adults.

Now, a child admitted to the Children's Hospital's neonatal intensive care has been suspected to have been contracted the disease. Blood samples have been sent to the Wisconsin State Lab of Hygiene.

It has not yet been confirmed whether the child has been infected with the deadly bacteria Elizabethkingia as the results are awaited. But hospital authorities have stated that there are no chances of its spread among the patients as the bacteria cannot transfer from one person to another.

Source: Medindia