But, the cause of the outbreak is still unknown.
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A bloodstream infection that matches an ongoing bacteria outbreak in Wisconsin has been identified in MI, according to the state’s Department of Health and Human Services. That’s an increase of two deaths since last week.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reliable a test, a officials said. The Michigan case resulted in the death of an older adult with underlying health conditions in West Michigan. The number of cases in 12 Wisconsin counties has also grown, from 48 to 54.
The DHS was first alerted when six cases were reported during December and January, the bacteria Elizabethkingia anophelis, gets the name of scientist Elizabeth O. King who discovered the rare infection that has yet to confirm how it spreads.
Officials were trying to determine where the infection was contracted, MI health department spokeswoman Jennifer Eisner said in an email. However, it rarely makes people sick.
The resident was elderly and had underlying health conditions, but a blood culture revealed the presence of the Elizabethkingia bacteria, MI health officials said. Most outbreaks associated with Elizabethkingia are healthcare-associated. These bacteria tend to be resistant to numerous antibiotics physicians may use to treat infections, so early recognition of the bacteria is critical to ensure patients receive appropriate treatment.
Bloodstream infections, such as the ones reported in the current outbreak, produce symptoms including fever, chills, shortness of breath, and cellulitis (skin infection), and have a high mortality rate. They sent it on to the CDC for further testing, which confirmed the diagnosis.
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The CDC is continuing to analyse the local water, looking at the possibility that contaminated water was used on produce sold at a particular grocery store, but you can imagine how much work that’s going to be.
