Understanding The Elizabethkingia Outbreak In Wisconsin
Monday, April 11, 2016, 8:25am
A species of bacteria called Elizabethkingia anophelis has caused serious blood infections in dozens of Wisconsinites since November 2015. As of April 8, 2016, 18 of those patients have died, according to state health officials.
More Information About Elizabethkingia And The Wisconsin Outbreak
Wednesday, March 30, 2016, 11:00am
Given the general infrequency of Elizabethkingia infections, the winter 2015-16 outbreak in Wisconsin is presenting a novel challenge for state and federal health authorities, as well as to providers working directly with patients. Despite the rarity of this health issue, multiple health organizations are providing information for the public about the bacteria. The emergent nature of these infections is also prompting coverage from a variety of regional and national media outlets.
Researchers Still Working To Understand Elizabethkingia's Effects
Wednesday, March 30, 2016, 11:00am
The vast majority of Elizabethkingia-caused infections known to medicine have struck individuals with compromised immune systems: people already battling one or more other serious diseases, patients recovering from organ transplants or other major medical procedures, the elderly, and infants.
Elizabethkingia Is Common Bacteria, But Seldom Infects Humans
Wednesday, March 30, 2016, 11:00am
Elizabethkingia is a genus of gram-negative bacteria commonly found in soil and water. The organisms seldom cause disease in humans, but when they do, illness in adults typically manifests as a serious blood infection resistant to many antibiotics.
'Here And Now': Tracing The Wisconsin Elizabethkingia Outbreak
Monday, March 14, 2016, 10:55am
Elizabethkingia continues to challenge epidemiologists as it afflicts people scattered throughout southern and eastern Wisconsin. It’s a type of gram-negative bacteria found commonly in the environment, but only rarely causes disease in humans.