Testing revealed the bacteria responsible for the infection is in the Enterobacteriaceae family and contains an antibiotic-resistant gene called MCR-1. The gene has only been discovered in “a handful of states over the past few years,” Alexia Harrist, MD, PhD, a state health officer and state epidemiologist with WDH, said in a press release.
It does not appear the patient contracted the infection at the hospital, the health department said.
“Although this finding is unexpected and something we are taking seriously, we believe the contact precautions already in place at the hospital have likely limited the potential spread of the bacteria,” Dr. Harrist said in the press release.
The patient has responded to treatment and is in good condition.
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