The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS), said the organization is currently investigating an outbreak of bloodstream infections caused by bacteria called Elizabethkingia.
According to Wisconsin DHS, the Elizabethkingia infection has been detected in 44 patients located in southeastern and southern Wisconsin. The majority of patients are over the age of 65 years, and all have serious underlying health conditions.
While 18 patients who tested positive for the Elizabethkingia infection in this outbreak have died, it has not been determined if the cause is the bacterial infection, or the patients’ other serious health conditions, or both.
DHS said they are working closely on the investigation to determine the source of the bacteria, and are working diligently to contain the outbreak.
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