Mexico’s Ministry of Health has reported an outbreak of bloodstream infection in four hospitals in Mexico State, which has infected 20 patients under the age of 14, of whom 13 have died.
“The General Directorate of Epidemiology reports the detection and care of an outbreak of bloodstream infection, <…> linked to possible contamination of parenteral nutrition or supplies for its use, in four health facilities in Mexico State,” the ministry said in a statement. It added that the cases involved three public and one private clinic.
“Of the 20 [identified] cases, 13 deaths were registered among patients with underlying conditions. <…> Seven patients have been hospitalized and are receiving ongoing and timely medical care from the health services of Mexico State,” the ministry said.
“According to preliminary data, this outbreak is linked to solutions for intravenous parenteral nutrition or supplies used for their use, which may have been contaminated,” the statement said. It is noted that “initial investigation indicates possible contamination of SAFE solutions.”