Computer illustration of Klebsiella pneumoniae
Eko Hot Blog reports that a bacteria often found in health care settings, that has developed resistance to some antibiotics, has been linked to the death of four patients at Virginia Mason Medical Center, downtown Seattle, Washington, United States.
The bacteria is Klebsiella pneumoniae. It is a type of bacteria that lives naturally in our environment and can be part of the normal bacteria that lives in a healthy digestive system.
Health officials said infections commonly occur among sick or immunocompromised patients who are receiving treatment for other conditions.
Most people who contract it will never experience an infection, but occasionally Klebsiella pneumoniae can lead to urinary tract infections and other complications.
A CDC microbiologist demonstrates Klebsiella pneumoniae growing on a plate
The infected patients, who contracted Klebsiella, at the downtown Seattle hospital were hospitalised in various departments, including inpatient medical beds, an ICU, and an operating room at Virginia Mason Medical Center, the hospital said in a statement released on Wednesday.
Beginning in October 2022, hospital staff said it detected an increase in cases of Klebsiella pneumoniae bacteria at its downtown campus.
So far there have been 31 confirmed infections associated with strain, officials said, and the source of transmission remained under investigation Wednesday.
The hospital added that the four who died after contracting the bacteria already had complex diagnoses when they arrived at the hospital, so it’s unclear how Klebsiella contributed to their deaths.
Click to watch our video of the week:
Ejinrin marks Oba Balogun's 20th coronation with week-long events. Highlights: traditional rites, medical outreach, and…
I Wanted Justice, Not Drama- Iyabo Ojo She calls for justice in Mohbad's death The…
Movement for Anti-Corruption, Integrity, and Transparency Initiative Critises Former President Olusegun Obansanjo Tells him to…