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CDC investigates S. marcescens outbreak across six Alabama hospitals
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The Alabama Department of Public Health announced an ongoing investigation of an outbreak of Serratia marcescens bacteremia across six Alabama hospitals, according to an FDA press release.
After notification of the outbreak in patients receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN) at two hospitals on March 16, the Department of Public Health requested assistance from the CDC. According to the release, the department is aware of 19 cases of S. marcescens bacteremia at Baptist Princeton, Baptist Shelby, Baptist Prattville, Medical West, Cooper Green Mercy and Select Specialty Hospital in Birmingham.
The initial investigation identified TPN (liquid nutrition fed through an IV using a catheter) as a potential common source and has determined that these six hospitals received TPN from Meds IV, a Birmingham-based pharmacy.
The pharmacy was notified and informed all customers of the possibility of contamination. Affected hospitals immediately stopped use of TPN, and Meds IV discontinued all production. Meds IV recalled all IV compounded products as of March 24, according to the release.
The pharmacy and the hospitals are cooperating with the investigation. The Alabama Department of Public Health will provide updates as more information becomes available. For a list of all recalled products, visit www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm249068.htm.
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