DHS investigates bacterial blood infection outbreak

The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention sent five employees to Wisconsin to help the state Department of Health Services pinpoint a link to those that have been infected by the bacteria, named Elizabethkingia.

"The majority of patients are over the age of 65 years, and all have serious underlying health conditions", said State Health Officer Karen McKeown.

Because those affected by the infection had underlying health problems, it is unclear whether the deaths of the 18 people were caused by the bacterial infection, or the patients' other serious health conditions, or both.

"Elizabethkingia are bacteria that are rarely reported to cause illness in humans, and are uncommon colonizers of the respiratory tract", the statement said. Symptoms include fever, shortness of breath, chills or skin rash, health officials said.

Elizabethkingia would generally affect people who have compromised immune systems or preexisting health problems.

"What does their lives look like that could give us a clue as to where they came in contact with the bacteria?"

The DPH was first notified of six potential cases between December 29, 2015 and January 4.

"At this time, the source of these infections is unknown and the department is working diligently to contain this outbreak", state officials said in a press release, adding that since surveillance was established, "there has been a rapid identification of cases and healthcare providers have been able to treat and improve outcomes for patients".

Disease detectives from the CDC are on the ground to figure out what might be behind the bacteria's spread, but so far answers are lacking.

McKeown said finding the source of the bacteria affecting patients is a complex process.

McKeown was not available for questions. A laboratory test is needed to confirm infection.