Klebsiella Bacterial Outbreak Infects Patients at Seattle Hospital
A bacterial outbreak of Klebsiella pneumoniae has infected 31 patients at Virginia Mason Franciscan Health in Seattle, Washington, with four deaths reported. The hospital is working with public health officials to identify the source of the outbreak. Klebsiella pneumoniae is a rare cause of infection that is most common in patients who have spent time on ventilators or have weakened immune systems. The bacteria can cause infections of wounds and surgical sites, as well as pneumonia, bloodstream infections, or meningitis. Some forms of the bacteria are resistant to antibiotics, making it difficult to treat.
