CDC requests help in reporting Burkholderia cepacia (B. cepacia) cases

As part of an ongoing multistate investigation, CDC is attempting to identify hospitals that have detected clusters of Burkholderia cepacia (B. cepacia) cases among pediatric or adult ICU patients, particularly since January 2016. Preliminary information indicates that a contaminated liquid docusate product might be related to cases in one state. To report clusters, please contact the CDC Division of Healthcare Quality Promotion Outbreak Email box at: haioutbreak@cdc.gov.

B. cepacia is a complex of bacteria that can be found in soil and water and are often resistant to common antibiotics. The bacteria poses little risk to healthy people. However, people who have certain health problems such as weakened immune systems or chronic lung diseases, particularly cystic fibrosis, are more susceptible to these bacteria. B. cepaciais a known cause of infections in hospitalized patients.

For additional information on B. cepacia please visit http://www.cdc.gov/HAI/organisms/bCepacia.html