( Spanish) – The Mexican Ministry of Health issued an epidemiological alert this Tuesday in the state of Oaxaca due to an outbreak caused by the Klebsiella oxytoca bacteria, which, according to the statement released“can cause infections in people with weakened immune systems.”
Mexican authorities have confirmed 15 cases and four probable ones. “The age range (of the patients) is 0 to 14 years, although the largest proportion of cases are neonates with administration of parenteral fluids with clinical and laboratory data compatible with bloodstream infection,” the statement says.
Among the patients most vulnerable to this bacteria are those who use devices such as respirators, with intravenous catheters or those who undergo prolonged treatments with certain antibiotics, according to information from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, for its acronym in English).
Infection commonly occurs through personal contact, but can also occur if exposed to contaminated water, soil, or equipment. While in healthcare settings, Klebsiella infections frequently occur among sick patients receiving treatment for other conditions.
Add Comment