Greenville (S.C.) Health System announced that an unusual infection, caused by an atypical mycobacterium, was found in 14 surgical patients at the Greenville Memorial Medical Campus.
Mycobacteria are found in the natural environment in water, soil and dust. People who are already sick with other illnesses and have had surgical procedures are more susceptible to infection caused by mycobacteria. It is not contagious.
The health system is working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control to identify the source of the infections.
"Based on the preliminary results of the investigation, we believe that the infection is related to a piece of equipment which was removed from use. In an abundance of caution, all other pieces of equipment which may potentially be involved in these cases have also been removed from use," said Bill Kelly, MD, hospital epidemiologist at Greenville Health System, in a news release.
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