Rare Blood Infection Results To 17 Deaths In Wisconsin

A rare blood infection outbreak in Wisconsin which affected 54 people since November last year has reportedly spread to another state according to US health authorities.

Officials at Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) confirmed that an older adult from West Michigan has been found positive for Elizabethkingia anophelis bacteria. To contain a possible epidemic, local health officials began working hand-in-hand with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

"Michigan has worked closely with the CDC and Wisconsin Health Department to alert our provider community about the Wisconsin outbreak and to ensure early recognition of potential cases in our state. Timely diagnosis is key to ensuring patients receive appropriate treatment, and we will continue to provide updates and guidance...," remarked MDHHS chief medical exec Dr. Eden Wells as quoted in an official press release by the health agency.

So far, 54 cases has been tallied with 17 recorded fatalities. Currently, experts are still wondering whether the bacterial infection was main cause of death since all patients (mostly the elderly) have underlying health issues.

"Determining the source of the bacteria affecting patients in Wisconsin is a complex process. While we recognize there will be many questions we cannot yet answer, we feel it is important to share the limited information we have about the presence of the bacteria, as we continue our work to determine the source," said Wisconsin Health Officer Karen McKeown in an official press statement.

As reported by CNN, the bacteria is known to thrive in riverwater, reservoirs, and soil but is not directly linked to the said illness. However, people with weak immune systems and underlying health conditions are more likely to get infected. That's why most, if not all, patients were elderly. Known symptoms include labored breathing, fever, chills, and cellulitis- a form of bacterial skin infection.