Mexico, eight children killed by Klebsiella

A bacterial pathogen, Klebsiella oxytoca, has emerged as a significant public health concern in Mexico, with preliminary findings from an investigation by the Mexican Ministry of Health indicating the potential for transmission via intravascular routes in the context of parenteral nutrition. The investigation has identified eight pediatric fatalities across four medical facilities in the Mexican state of Edomex in the span of a few days. The victims were all pediatric patients, ranging in age from 0 to 14 years. In a statement issued to the public, Macarena Montoya Olvera, Minister of Health for the Mexican state of Edomex, asserted that the outbreak of Klebsiella in four hospitals within the state, which had resulted in the identification of approximately 20 cases, was being effectively managed. In the meantime, the relevant health authorities have suspended all products manufactured on or after 21 November 2024 by the company responsible for producing the preparation, due to suspected contamination.