Source: http://www.latimes.com/business/la-f...ry.html#page=1
Superbug linked to 2 deaths at UCLA hospital; 179 potentially exposed
By Chad Terhune
February 18, 2015
At least seven UCLA patients have been infected by a drug-resistant superbug
Two patient deaths are linked to superbug outbreak at UCLA
Nearly 180 patients at UCLA's Ronald Reagan Medical Center may have been exposed to potentially deadly bacteria from contaminated medical scopes, and two deaths have already been linked to the outbreak.
The Times has learned that the two people who died are among seven patients that UCLA found were infected by the drug-resistant superbug known as CRE ? a number that may grow as more patients get tested. The outbreak is the latest in a string of similar incidents across the country that has top health officials scrambling for a solution.
UCLA said it discovered the outbreak late last month while running tests on a patient. This week, it began to notify 179 other patients who were treated from October to January and offer them medical tests. By some estimates, if the infection spreads to a person's bloodstream, the bacteria can kill 40% to 50% of patients.
Superbug linked to 2 deaths at UCLA hospital; 179 potentially exposed
By Chad Terhune
February 18, 2015
At least seven UCLA patients have been infected by a drug-resistant superbug
Two patient deaths are linked to superbug outbreak at UCLA
Nearly 180 patients at UCLA's Ronald Reagan Medical Center may have been exposed to potentially deadly bacteria from contaminated medical scopes, and two deaths have already been linked to the outbreak.
The Times has learned that the two people who died are among seven patients that UCLA found were infected by the drug-resistant superbug known as CRE ? a number that may grow as more patients get tested. The outbreak is the latest in a string of similar incidents across the country that has top health officials scrambling for a solution.
UCLA said it discovered the outbreak late last month while running tests on a patient. This week, it began to notify 179 other patients who were treated from October to January and offer them medical tests. By some estimates, if the infection spreads to a person's bloodstream, the bacteria can kill 40% to 50% of patients.
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