Two deaths have been reported as a result of potential superbug contamination in endoscopes used at the University Of California Los Angeles Medical Center. Endoscopes are inserted through the throat to examine the body from the inside. A small camera is on the end of medical-grade flexible tubing. Endoscopes are reusable medical devices, requiring a thorough cleaning process following each use.
The superbug responsible for the outbreak is known as nightmare bacteria. The scientific name for the bacteria is Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (abbreviated as CRE). This bacteria is known to kill roughly half of the patients it infects.
This particular superbug is resistant to most antibiotics. Infections of this caliber are nearly impossible to treat, since normal treatments do not work.
Olympus Corporation is the manufacturer of the endoscopes in question. The company has issued additional safety instructions to all users of their products in an effort to prevent additional infections and breakouts.
These types of devices can pick up CRE from inside the body. If the device is not thoroughly sterilized, the bacteria can spread to additional patients.
Research proves that a large majority of these infections occur in hospitals and other healthcare facilities.
Some of the results of these infections include:
- Urinary tract infections
- Blood infections
- Pneumonia
- Serious bacterial infection
- Death
Only patients who were treated at the University Of California Los Angeles Medical Center that had endoscopic procedures performed should be concerned at this time. No further reports of outbreaks occurring in other areas of the country have been reported.
If you or a family member have been affected by the nightmare bacteria outbreak or other instances of endoscope contamination in facilities around the United States, have lost a loved one or believe that you may have been in contact with a superbug-contaminated endoscope, contact Harman Law LLC as you may be entitled to compensation. Call 1-888-55-HARMAN or (404) 554-0777 to schedule a free, no cost and no obligation consultation.
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