Birmingham Area IV Bag Contamination Update

Nine people died and 10 more were sickened in six Alabama hospitals after receiving IV packs filled with liquid nutritional supplements that were contaminated. Inspectors have identified the contaminate as the bacteria Serratia marcescens, organisms that can cause infection in several sites on the body including the urinary tract, respiratory tract, eyes, and in wounds.

In this case the bacteria entered the bloodstream due to the contaminated IV fluids. The bacteria can cause pneumonia and meningitis, and the infections are often fatal.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has identified six Alabama hospitals where infections were confirmed - Princeton Baptist Medical Center, Shelby Baptist Medical Center, Cooper Green Mercy Hospital, Medical West, Prattville Baptist Hospital and Select Specialty Hospital, a long-term acute care hospital that operates within Trinity Medical Center.

In addition to the deaths, a total of 19 people were confirmed to be infected. A Birmingham pharmacy, Meds IV, was reported as being the supplier. According to officials, the contaminated bags have been removed off the shelves and the threat of injury or more wrongful deaths to more Alabama hospital patients has been contained.