In Mexico, health authorities are investigating the deaths of 13 children who were infected with the bacteria Klebsiella oxytoca, which is highly resistant to antibiotics. The most likely source of the infection is IV feeding bags at four different hospitals. Seven more patients are currently receiving treatment in hospitals. The children, all under 14 years old, died from a blood infection caused by the bacteria. The outbreak was first discovered in November in government and private hospitals near Mexico City. The company that produces the suspected IV fluid has had its contract and registration suspended.
President Claudia Sheinbaum expressed sadness over the situation and Mexico’s Health Secretary is leading the investigation. The exact source of the outbreak is still being determined, but it is believed to be linked to IV nutritional fluids or their delivery supplies. An epidemiological alert was issued on December 3, and doctors were instructed to stop using IV nutrition bags from the affected company. This incident is just one of several recent cases involving contaminated medical supplies in Mexico. Last year, an outbreak of meningitis was caused by an anesthesiologist using contaminated morphine, resulting in 25 deaths and 79 illnesses. Health officials are urging medical personnel to report any suspected cases promptly to prevent further spread of infections.
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