9 Patients Have Now Died from Bacteria Outbreak at Seattle Hospital

Bacteria outbreak at Seattle hospital.Photo:Getty

Getty

Two more patients have died at a Seattle hospital after contracting a strain ofKlebsiellapneumoniae bacteria, according toUSA Today.

Virginia Mason Medical Centerconfirmed Wednesdaythat 33 patients have contracted theKlebsiellabacteria at its downtown campus since October of last year. More than a quarter of those who’ve contracted the bacteria at the hospital have died, with the two recent deaths raising the total ofKlebsiellafatalities to nine patients.

The source of the bacteria’s transmission is unknown and still under investigation, in conjunction with the CDC and Washington State Department of Health, the hospital saidin a statement.

Virginia Mason Medical Center.Google Maps

Google Maps

Due to the patients’ “complex” conditions, the Virginia Mason Medical Center says that “it is difficult to determine whetherKlebsiellapneumoniae caused or contributed to their deaths.”

The CDC does point out that patients mostat riskfrom contractingKlebsiellabacteria are vulnerable patients — specifically, those whose care requires the use of ventilators or intravenous catheters, and patients who are taking long courses of certain antibiotics.

AlthoughKlebsiellapneumoniae bacteria can be a part of the bacteria that inhabits a healthy digestive system, it appears to spread easily in healthcare environments.

TheCDC even describes itas a “bacteria that can cause different types of healthcare-associated infections, including pneumonia, bloodstream infections, wound or surgical site infections, and meningitis,” andVirginia Mason Medical Centernotes that “Klebsiellainfections commonly occur among sick or immunocompromised patients who are receiving treatment for other conditions.”

Most people who contractKlebsiellabacteria won’t develop an infection,according to the hospital, with the worst outcome for a generally healthy person being “infections like a urinary tract infection.”

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Of more concern, the CDC notes that some “Klebsiellabacteria have developed antimicrobial resistance” — meaning, antibiotics are not effective against certain strains. Patients who have a diagnosedKlebsiellainfection should follow a strict hygiene regimen, including washing their hands frequently and avoiding touching their eyes or nose.

Strict and regular cleaning of high-touch surfaces such as bed rails, bedside tables, phones, and doorknobs are also recommended to avoid the spread ofKlebsiella.

While the hospital says the risk of transmission “is extremely low“ it is “not non-existent” and urges patients, particularly those with an upcoming procedure or surgery scheduled, to speak to their doctor with any concerns.

source: people.com