The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported a rare blood infection attributed with 17 deaths in Wisconsin has now been reported in Michigan, according to BABW News.
Here are five things to know:
1. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services confirmed the infection after analyzing the results of a recently deceased patient's blood culture, which tested positive for the bacteria causing the disease.
2. The disease, Elizabethkingia, is typically found among the elderly and in people that have health conditions or weakened immune systems. The patient had pre-existing medical conditions and resided in the western part of Michigan.
3. In Wisconsin, officials have recorded 54 cases since the start of last year.
4. Symptoms include fever, chills, shortness of breath and cellulitis.
5. Because the bacteria causing the infection are normally antibiotic resistant, the infection is difficult to treat.
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