Drug-resistant bacteria linked to deaths of 13 children in Mexico
The death of 13 children in four clinics in central Mexico may have been caused by IV fluids contaminated with drug-resistant bacteria, as announced by the Mexican health ministry 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 infection outbreak in the circulatory system was detected, caused by the drug-resistant bacteria Klebsiella oxytoca. This 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, and in one, the infection was ruled out. All involve newborns and children up to 14 years old.
Thirteen children have died, the health ministry reported, noting that all suffered from comorbidities. It has not yet been determined whether their deaths were directly caused by the bacterial infection. Seven remaining patients are currently in hospitals receiving medical care, according to the statement.
Analyses are underway to determine the source of the infections. It was added that monitoring is being conducted to rule out outbreaks in other facilities.
