Multistate Outbreak of Bloodstream Infections Due to Contaminated Prefilled Saline Flush Syringes

A recent update from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that they are working to investigate a multistate outbreak of bloodstream infections that have occurred mostly in patients residing in long-term care or rehabilitation facilities. 

Fifty-eight facilities have been affected in five states: two facilities in Delaware, three in Maryland, 19 in New Jersey, 24 in New York, and 10 in Pennsylvania. Twelve deaths have occurred in total out of 153 cases confirmed. This update is current as of November 23, 2016, and case counts are going to be updated on Wednesdays weekly.

The infections have been caused by Burkholderia cepacia, a group of bacteria that can be found in soil and water and has occurred in those receiving intravenous (IV) fluids and/or antibiotics through central venous catheters. 

Contaminated prefilled saline flush syringes manufactured by Nurse Assist, Haltom City, TX, are being investigated as the source of the bacteria. Nurse Assist therefore performed a voluntary recall and removal of all its prefilled saline flush syringes on October 4, 2016.

The CDC advises facilities and health care professionals to: stop using any remaining recalled Nurse Assist prefilled saline flush syringe products; immediately recover any unused product from pharmacies, medication carts, medication preparation areas, and patient care areas; and notify local or state health authorities of any cases of B cepacia bloodstream infections identified among patients who received IV care at a facility that was using these products and whose symptoms began since August 1, 2016.

—Amanda Del Signore