Among those quarantined are 10 police officers, according to a statement from the Warsaw law firm legaartis.pl. Local newspaper Głos Wielkopolski reported that the number of infected individuals rose to 11 by Monday.
One patient is showing symptoms of a urinary tract infection, while two others are battling pre-existing conditions that have further weakened their immune systems.
Hospital outbreak under control
Prof. Iwona Mozer-Lisiewska, head of the hospital, confirmed that the medical staff is fully managing the situation, with sanitary authorities handling microbiological testing.
“This bacterium is frequently found in many hospitals. We have an outbreak here, but the situation is under control. Although 11 people have been identified as carriers, none have died from it,” the professor explained.
In extreme cases, Klebsiella infection can lead to deadly sepsis. However, the most concerning aspect is that this pathogen can persist in the human body for years without showing any symptoms.
People frequently visiting hospitals or receiving treatment across multiple departments are particularly at risk.
Klebsiella pneumoniae
New Delhi bacteria (scientifically known as Klebsiella pneumoniae) produce the New Delhi metallo-beta-lactamase (NDM) enzyme, which grants resistance to many antibiotics, including carbapenems.
This resistant strain first appeared in Poland in 2012, brought by a Polish missionary returning from Africa, following its global spread from areas where NDM was more common, such as India.
Infection can occur through contact with contaminated surfaces or medical equipment, or from infected individuals, particularly in healthcare settings with inadequate infection control.
In severe cases, Klebsiella infection can lead to life-threatening sepsis, but the most concerning aspect is that this pathogen can exist in the human body for many years without showing any symptoms.
Individuals who frequently visit hospitals or receive treatment in various departments over a short period are particularly vulnerable to this bacterium.
Source: Głos Wielkopolski/LegaArtis.pl; YouTube.com/@Osmoza/@Microhub Plus
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