Bacterial scare in Mexico: IV fluids linked to child deaths
The death of 13 children in four clinics in central Mexico may have been caused by IV fluids contaminated with drug-resistant bacteria, the Mexican health ministry announced on Thursday. A total of 15 cases of infection have been confirmed, with four more under investigation.
The ministry reported in a statement that an outbreak of infection in the circulatory system was detected, caused by the drug-resistant bacteria Klebsiella oxytoca. This outbreak is linked to possible contamination of parenteral nutrition mixtures or IV administration devices in four healthcare facilities in the state of Mexico—three public and one private.
Mexico: 13 children dead
A total of 20 suspected cases were reported, of which 15 have been confirmed. In one case, the infection was ruled out. All involve newborns and children up to 14 years old.
The health ministry reported that 13 children have died, but it is not yet determined whether their deaths were related to the bacterial infection. All of the children suffered from comorbidities. The seven remaining patients are being treated in hospitals under medical care.
Analyses are underway to determine the source of the infections. The ministry added that monitoring is being conducted to rule out outbreaks in other facilities.
