Healthy Kids: Superbugs & Listeria

Author: WINK NEWS
Published: Updated:
FORT MYERS, Fla. – The Pediatric Research released this week focused on Superbugs and Listeria.
Dr. Annette St. Pierre-Mackoul joined Jennifer Stacy in the studio to discuss these two important articles.
Super bug infection greatest increase in children ages 1-5:
CRE = superbug that is antibiotic resistant
CRE = Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae
Found in inpatient hospital care settings
50% mortality rate!
Data in children is scarce.
Data and Results:
>315,000 cultures in >300 labs studied
1999 – 2012
CRE is uncommon in children!
Rate of infection: 0%(1999) – 4.5%(2012)
Ages 1-5 in ICU’s
CRE in adults:
Long-term care facilities, elderly, critically ill.
Chicago is the primary region for drug-resistant CRE.
Bacteria spreads easily and quickly between patients.
Isolation and proper precautions need to be taken when suspected.
More research is needed for children and adults.
Danger of listeria in caramel apples:
2014 – large outbreak of listeriosis occurred.
35 people in 12 states were infected / 7 died.
Culprit: commercially produced, prepackaged caramel apples.
Listeriosis:
Fever, headache, stiff neck, and gastrointestinal symptoms.
Symptoms occur 3-4 weeks after ingesting affected foods.
Perfect storm: wooden sticks, Granny Smith Apples, caramel.
Other concern: storage at room temp. or prolonged refrigeration.
Recommendation: Eat caramel apples fresh!

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