Home > Pestilence > Be Afraid: Drug-Resistant “Superbug” Arrives in L.A.

Be Afraid: Drug-Resistant “Superbug” Arrives in L.A.

03/25/2011 Leave a comment Go to comments

This image is a work of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, part of the United States Department of Health and Human Services, taken or made during the course of an employee's official duties. As a work of the U.S. federal government, the image is in the public domain.By Lindsay William-Ross – “Just when you thought it was safe to go to the hospital, or elderly care facility comes the SUPERBUG. This superbug happens to be a ‘deadly bacteria thought to be resistant to all known remedies.’ And it’s here. In Los Angeles. The Daily Breeze explains that the superbug is technically ‘a multiresistant form of Klebsiella pneumoniae, also known as CRKP,’ which “was formally thought to be contained to the East Coast.” Thanks a lot, East Coast!

To date, 365 cases of CRKP have been found in Los Angeles County, with most of the cases being ‘elderly patients at skilled nursing facilities and long-term care facilities.’ No, you’re not in the clear: ‘[L]ab results also show a small percentage of cases at acute care hospitals.’

The superbug is serious … deadly serious. Doctor and infectious disease expert Brad Spellberg admits CRKP has killed patients at County Harbor-UCLA Medical Center near Torrance. Because it is resistant to all antibiotics, treating it is a gamble. Spellberg describes the treatment process: ‘We’re at the point with some of this (resistant bacteria) that we’re just mixing a bunch of crap together, throwing it at the patient and crossing our fingers.'”  Read more.

Categories: Pestilence Tags: ,
  1. No comments yet.
  1. No trackbacks yet.

The opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of MidnightWatcher's Blogspot. Although differences of opinion are welcomed, please refrain from personal attacks and inappropriate language. This blog reserves the right to edit or delete any comments that fail to do so.