Following bacterial infections in California and Colorado, health officials indicate the outbreaks can be traced to the same brand of hospital water and ice machines.
A total of 46 infections from the same bacterial strain have now been reported at hospitals in Northern California, Southern California and Colorado, all of which can be traced to the same brand of hospital water and ice machines, according to federal health officials.
Two Southern California hospitals had an outbreak of the bacteria Burkholderia multivorans in 2021 and 2022, causing 23 patient infections. However, that number has now doubled, with two more at one of the Southern California locations, as well as 13 at a hospital in Northern California and eight at a hospital in Colorado, all occurring from 2020 through 2024, and each involving bacteria with similar genetic sequences.
According to a report from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued on October 3, health officials have found that the four hospitals reporting the B. multivorans infections all used the same brand of ice machine, filter, descaling and sanitizing products for their water.
B. multivorans is a rare but emerging bacteria that is often linked to cystic fibrosis patients. It is commonly found in soil and water, and is not usually dangerous to healthy people. However, it is resistant to antibiotics, and can cause bacterial meningitis among those with weakened immune systems. This serious infection of the brain and spinal cord membranes can be deadly in a few hours without immediate medical intervention.