(RxWiki News) The CDC and several state health agencies are investigating a multistate outbreak of infections caused by a bacterium called Elizabethkingia anophelis.
Elizabethkingia anophelisis an organism found in the environment and does not typically cause infections, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). However, several infections have been identified in Wisconsin, Michigan and Illinois.
The majority of infections have been found in the blood, respiratory system or joints. The majority of the patients who have an infection caused by Elizabethkingia anophelisare older than 65 and have other serious health conditions.
There have been deaths associated with this outbreak. So far, there has been no confirmation if the deaths were caused by the infection, the patients' underlying health conditions or both.
The CDC is assisting with the testing of samples from a variety of potential sources. The CDC is continuing to work with the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, and the Illinois Department of Public Health to determine the source of Elizabethkingia anophelis,as well as methods to prevent infections.
