Drug-resistant bacteria suspected in Mexico 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 the detection of an infection outbreak in the circulatory system caused by the drug-resistant bacteria Klebsiella oxytoca, 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, and it has not yet been determined whether their deaths were related to the bacterial infection. Seven remaining patients are in hospitals under medical care, it was stated.
It was added that analyses are underway to determine the source of the infections. Monitoring is being conducted to rule out outbreaks in other facilities.
